Fire Prevention

NJ Fire Inspector Awarded $1 Million

A New Jersey fire inspector who claims he was harassed because he cited various businesses with close ties to the mayor for fire code violations, has been awarded over $1 million by a Superior Court jury. The city of Elizabeth ...

First Suits Filed in Oakland Ghost Ship Fire

The first lawsuits have been filed in the Oakland Ghost Ship fire, accusing the building owners of negligence and wrongful death. The December 2, 2016 fire killed 36 attendees of an electronic dance music event at a warehouse named Ghost Ship. Two suits were filed Friday in Alameda County Superior Court.

Second Suit Filed Against Red Sox Over Green Monster Race Discrimination

A second Boston Fire Department fire prevention employee has filed suit against the Boston Red Sox claiming security officers refused to allow him access to the historic Green Monster during Game 1 of the 2013 World Series on account of his race.

Florida Department and Chief Sued Over Hotel Closure

A Florida fire department and fire chief are being sued by the owner of a hotel that was ordered closed due to fire code violations. Kenilworth Properties, owner of the Kenilworth Hotel, is suing the City of Sebring, Sebring Fire Chief Brad Batz and C-T Protection Inc.

Idaho Chief’s Suit Survives Summary Judgment

A wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the former fire marshal of Nampa, Idaho survived a motion for summary judgment last week. Deputy Chief Doug Strosnider was fired in May, 2014 after he sent notices to two property owners about installing fire alarm and sprinkler systems.

Fireworks Dealer Sues Michigan City Over Sky Lanterns

A pyrotechnic retailer is suing a Michigan community over a fire marshal’s enforcement of a local ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of sky lanterns. Black Diamond Fireworks has filed suit against the City of Sterling Heights claiming that an ordinance prohibiting sky lanterns is illegal.

West Virginia City Sues Owner of Vacant Building for Fees and Access

The City of Bluefield, West Virginia is suing the owner of a former supermarket for inspection fees and to allow firefighters access to the building for purposes of preplanning. The suit is based on a 2015 ordinance that imposes a $1/square foot inspection fee on buildings larger than 20,000 square feet that are left vacant for more than 180 days.

Phoenix Fire Marshal Reassigned Following Investigation Into Conflicts Of Interest

Phoenix Fire Marshall Jack Ballentine has been permanently reassigned to the fire department's Homeland Security section following investigations into his involvement with fund raising for the public safety related charity, the 100 Club of Arizona.

Property Owner Sues Ohio City and City Officials Including Fire Chief

A property owner is suing an Ohio city and 20 city employees claiming they illegally barred him from creating four units in two existing buildings. Bryon Graf filed suit against the City of Nelsonville naming the fire chief, the police chief, the city manager, the city council, and the planning commission

Boston Firefighter Sues Red Sox for Race Discrimination

A Boston firefighter is suing the Boston Red Sox claiming that during the 2013 World Series he was denied entry to Fenway Park to conduct an inspection because of his race.

Evacuate or Shelter in Place for Fire Alarms

Today’s burning question: We have a retirement community in our district and we recently became aware that the property managers have been advising residents to remain in their apartments during fire alarms. Their philosophy is to “shelter in place” in the event of a fire. Is this wise?

Minnesota Court Strikes Down Residential Sprinkler Requirement

The Minnesota Court of Appeals dealt a blow to the fire service yesterday in striking down a state–wide residential sprinkler requirement for new homes over 4500 square feet. The three-judge panel concluded that the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry lacked the data to support its rulemaking, but the irony of the ruling as left many of us scratching our heads.

Arson, Insurance, and Ethics Questioned in Phoenix

A story posted yesterday on AZCentral.com raises some troubling ethical questions about the involvement of insurance company investigators in fire investigations conducted by public fire officials. Historically, insurance companies have routinely cooperated with public fire investigations, offering expertise and resources ...

Arizona Fire Department Settles Military Commitment Discrimination Claim

The US Department of Justice has announced the settlement of a claim by a Bullhead City, Arizona firefighter that his fire department violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by eliminating his position, and refusing to rehire him.

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