Toronto, ON, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cap Propane was ordered to pay a $45,000 fine plus a 25% victim surcharge by the Ontario Court of Justice after being found guilty of breaking fuel safety rules under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
Back in February 2024, there was an explosion at a house in Cambridge, Ontario that got propane service from Red Cap Propane. The house was damaged so badly it’s now considered unlivable and officials suggested tearing it down.
An investigation by TSSA revealed that the blast happened because of a bad connection between the propane tank and furnace inside the home. This faulty link let lots of propane build up underground before igniting.
The homeowner had actually complained before about using way more propane than usual even in summer when the furnace wasn’t running – it’s the only thing on the property powered by propane. In July 2021, Red Cap Propane checked things out after this complaint and moved the tank somewhere else on site. Then in November 2022 they sent out a senior gas fitter who works as a subcontractor to do a pressure test. But that person wrongly said there wasn’t any leak. TSSA later found problems with how the tank hooked up to the gas line were behind the leak and explosion.
TSSA also learned that someone from Red Cap Propane took off the gas regulator from where all this happened – which goes against rules in the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 that forbid messing with anything at a gas accident spot until TSSA gives clearance.
Owen Kennedy, who leads TSSA’s Fuel Safety Program, said, “Ontario families count on fuel contractors to meet regulatory requirements and keep them safe. When it comes to fuel safety, there can be no compromise. Equipment must be installed, inspected, and tested with care and professionalism, because even a single oversight can have serious consequences for life and property.
This case also reinforces a key legal requirement that all equipment involved in an incident is evidence and must not be removed until TSSA has released the site. Preserving the integrity of that evidence is essential, not only as a legal obligation, but also to ensure that our investigation can accurately determine the cause of incident, responsibilities of the parties involved, and prevent future incidents.”
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators appointed by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety laws and boost public safety across various sectors. They oversee everything from amusement rides to boilers and pressure vessels; elevators; fuels; operating engineers; plus ski lifts throughout Ontario. Their work includes educating people about safety rules; certifying professionals; licensing; inspecting equipment; investigating accidents; offering advice on managing safety better; helping folks comply with laws; taking enforcement actions if needed including prosecutions. Their goal is basically being trusted advocates recognized for keeping everyone safer.
