Big box store fire lanes

[rescuedfireman]

We have been addressing some issues with some of the "big box" businesses placing merchandise in areas directly adjacent to exits and fire lanes. The merchandise has been put in areas that inhibit free egress from the facility and good aparatus placement.
Are we the only ones having this type of issue? Any input would be helpful.

Todd Hays
Asst. Fire Marshal
Enid, Ok.

[THINREDLINE]

Not much of a problem here in Swissvale,our Fire Inspectors do a great job. Document all activity,pictures,verbal,writt en notices ect. Follow up with a citation if the violation continues. We have a great working relationship with our local Magistrate. Do you have the ordinances inplace to enforce the issues?

[kennedyzoe]

Its hard to express the importance of Photo's. With a digital camera there is no excuse for taking a photo of a violation, writing to the owner, clearly stating "see this, move it". Hard to argue that you did not understand the inspector if you had the photo given to you.

Dan Phillips
www.escapeandwait.com

[rescuedfireman]

Yes, we do have ordinances in place. These stores are placing their merchandise up on the sidewalks inside the fire lane, but it still creates a hazard.

Have you heard of any loading zone alternatives in place of directly in front of the store exits?

[Geinandputitout]

Not to sound crazy, but do you have a fire code in place?

If you do start the citation process, and go from there. We had issues with our friends from Bentonville Arkansas, but they opened them up after they had their day in court.

[FFFRED]

Yes, we do have ordinances in place. These stores are placing their merchandise up on the sidewalks inside the fire lane, but it still creates a hazard.

Have you heard of any loading zone alternatives in place of directly in front of the store exits?

Issue them your version of a violation order...or summons the manager...and when he has to take a day off to answer why he is violating the fire code to a judge...then he will probably reconsider doing it again.

If you have ordinances in place...cite them. Let them figure out the alternatives...it isn't your problem.

FTM-PTB

[THINREDLINE]

Asst. FM Hays, any luck with your fire code issues? Let us know the outcome.