On February 5th, 2021, a tragic fire broke out at an illegal AirBnB in Quebec City, Canada. The fire left six people missing and one body was found. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of short-term rentals and the need for stricter regulations.
The AirBnB in question was located in a residential neighborhood and was not registered with the city. It is believed that the property was being rented out illegally, as short-term rentals are only allowed in designated areas in Quebec City. The property owner could face legal consequences for operating an illegal rental.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started on the ground floor of the building. The fire quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping the guests inside. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes, but the intensity of the flames made it difficult to rescue anyone from the building.
The incident has highlighted the dangers of illegal short-term rentals. Many of these properties do not meet safety standards and are not subject to regular inspections. This can put guests at risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards.
In response to the tragedy, Quebec City officials have called for stricter regulations on short-term rentals. They are considering implementing a registration system for hosts and requiring safety inspections for all rental properties. These measures would help ensure that guests are staying in safe and legal accommodations.
AirBnB has also responded to the incident, stating that they are cooperating with authorities and offering support to those affected by the fire. The company has faced criticism in the past for allowing illegal rentals on their platform and not doing enough to enforce local regulations.
The tragic fire in Quebec City serves as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations for short-term rentals. Guests should always be aware of the risks associated with staying in unregulated accommodations and should take steps to ensure their safety. As for property owners, they should always follow local laws and regulations to ensure that their rentals are safe and legal.
