On-The-Spot Fines

Are you aware that there are fines for non compliance?

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is introducing on-the-spot fines for breaches of the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 and Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.

The on-the-spot fines system adds to the enforcement options available to the QFRS to ensure adequate fire safety standards are maintained.  As part of the new process, Fire Officers are able to issue infringement notices to building owners and occupiers who have committed breaches of fire safety.  The QFRS is responsible for the protection of people, property and the environment from fire and hazardous substance incidents, and for the rescue of persons trapped in motor vehicles, buildings and other emergency situations. This role involves a range of services including incident response; investigation and prosecution aimed at enforcing compliance with fire safety legislation in both urban and rural areas.

The Childers backpacker hostel fire tragically claimed 15 lives. A review of budget accommodation throughout Queensland strongly indicated the need for a more robust enforcement regime. The introduction of an Infringement Notice system to allow "on-the-spot fines" to encourage occupiers and owners to comply with Building Fire Safety requirements became necessary. The Infringement Notices penalty system commenced on 1st December 2001 and is designed to reinforce the importance to occupiers and owners of their fire safety responsibilities.

Penalties for breaches vary according to the level and type of breach.
Click here for a list of the breaches and penalties.