<font color="#009900">SOUTH COUNTY NEWS:</font> Is Branford out of code when it comes to fire?

Local News

Discussion

November 17, 2009

County fire marshal says yes; Town Council to address issue

By Stephenie Livingston, Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Tue Nov 17, 2009, 01:35 PM EST

Much of Branford is out of compliance with the state fire code, Suwannee County Fire Marshal Paul Haas told the town council at a meeting last week.

"It is pretty serious," said Haas. "I walk into this room today and I see about ten fire code violations."

Haas asked town council to consider modernizing Branford's interlocal agreement with the county in order to begin making improvements and bring Branford up to code. The current agreement has not been updated in nearly twenty years. Haas called the current situation a "great liability" and referenced out-of-state fires resulting in numerous fatalities. Through the current interlocal agreement, the Suwannee County fire marshal and fire department does not have the power to intervene.

"Loss of life is what I'm here to prevent. It is what this code is here to prevent," said Haas. "One day, God forbid, we are going to have a loss of life here."

Fire insurance is also an issue when discussing fire code violations, said Haas. If the town of Branford is not up to code, business owners will have to pay higher insurance rates.

"We cannot use the small town excuse as a reason not to make our buildings safe," said Haas during last week's council meeting at Branford's Town Hall. As a municipality, Branford is bound by the National Fire Code. Currently, the majority of downtown is not up to code, according to Haas.

Town Council President Shirley Clark said she was not aware of this issue. The council was anxious to fix the problems. "We want to get going and make sure our businesses and our people are safe," said Clark. The council formed a fire committee and agreed to hold a meeting to discuss the fire code violations. The council members also discussed holding a workshop with county officials to further discuss the issue.

Text Only

Local News

Free community fitness at parks
February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Motorcyclist walks away from collision with car
February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Outbreak of Cinara aphids in south county reported
February 8, 2012 2 Photos
Branford High's Karen Koon named district teacher of the year
February 8, 2012 2 Photos
Students raise funds for Evan’s Cause
February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Closing date approaching on quota liquor licensing
February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Road to Olustee at Suwannee Museum
February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Best Super Bowl ad? Vote for your favorite
Naked M&Ms, an out-of-shape dog on a mission and Clint Eastwood delivering a passionate speech about American adversity -- these are among the favorite commercials that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Prisoner transport vehicle involved in wreck
A Jacksonville man was traveling down the wrong side of I-10 when he crashed into the van.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
Man suffers serious injuries on CR 137 crash
Glen St. Mary man was also involved in hit and run crash in Columbia County prior to this one, FHP reported.

February 5, 2012
More Local News Headlines