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Fire Safety Commission Decision Summary

DECISION NO.98A001-123
DATE:May 28, 1998


SUBJECT MATTER

The subject premises was originally erected in 1943 as a dormitory for female employees for a nearby industrial plant but had been renovated and used as residential apartment building with 130 units until it became vacant in 1996. The structure is a two storey, wood framed building with wood truss peaked roof covered with asphalt shingles and exterior walls clad with asbestos clapboard. The structure is made up of four interconnected wings running north and south with one wing running east and west for a total floor area of approximately 79,000 square feet. There is evidence of extensive vandalism and attendance of local youths for parties, which has caused concern as all services have been disconnected and/or removed eliminating early detection or suppression of a fire. Entry by unauthorized personnel can be easily gained through broken windows and unsecured doors. Attempts at salvage have left the structure with few interior separations to impede the progress of fire, and a fire once started would pose a significant risk to responding firefighters. A demolition permit had been issued for the premises, however, the city believed the owner was taking an unreasonable length of time and, therefore, revoked the permit. The fire department has responded to several fire incidents at the site since it was abandoned and based on the deteriorating condition of the structure has requested that the owner secure the structure until demolition is complete.


REASON FOR APPEAL

The owner is not financially viable enough to cover the cost of demolition and removal of the resultant debris.


COMMISSION'S DECISION

The Commission upheld the original Fire Marshal Order to demolish the structure with modified dates for completion. In addition, the Commission ordered that the structure be adequately secured against unauthorized entry immediately and security be provided by the appellant until the structure was demolished. The fire department was requested to continue its surveillance of the structure until demolition was completed.