Suggestion comes after June 8 blaze
By Gail Peckler-Dziki
Correspondent
The fire that occurred in Salem on June 8, which involved five storage units located on Wilmot Road has prompted Salem Fire Chief Mike Slover to ask for completion of a business license ordinance.
He reminded the Town Board at its June 13 meeting that work on this ordinance had begun some time ago but had been put on the back burner because of other issues.
Slover suggested the ordinance, which would allow for a fire safety inspection whenever a new business occupies a building, be completed soon.
Slover reminded the board of the town’s responsibility to protect life and property and ensuing possible municipal liability.
“This is a life-safety issue,” Slover said. “We conduct two fire safety inspections a year. If a new business moves into a space after that, we have no way of knowing.”
Slover said the purpose of such an ordinance would be to make sure everyone is safe.
“It’s not our purpose to prevent businesses from coming to Salem,” he said in a later telephone interview, “but to make sure they stay and that people working in those businesses are safe and property is protected.”
Slover said that laws change frequently and technology to prevent fires is constantly improving.
“As the fire department,” he said, “we are aware of these changes but the general public may not be. It’s our job to keep them updated.”
If it is known that a business is occupying a space, the fire inspector can enter and conduct a fire inspection. Features of that inspection include making sure there are working fire extinguishers, sprinklers and certified smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The fire inspector also makes sure that exits are clear and easily accessible and that there is no problem with extension cords or other issues with the electrical system.
“Many of the buildings in Salem are old, “ Slover explained, “and we work with the owners of buildings and businesses to help them become more safe.”
If, however, the town has no knowledge of a business that occupies a space, there is no way to conduct an inspection.
“As fire chief,” Slover said, “I am liable, the town is liable, to make sure fire and life safety rules are followed.
“We are looking at ordinances from other municipalities because we don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” he continued. “This is not meant to be a money-maker for the town but a way to make sure businesses, employees and neighbors are kept safe.”
The June 8 fire spread quickly because there were no firewalls between the storage rooms and the wind blew toward the other units.
Town Board Supervisor Dennis Faber was at the scene on June 8. During the meeting, he complimented Slover on how the department handled the fire.
“I was impressed that you attempted to get ahead of the fire despite the wind strength and direction,” Faber said. “The firefighters were very brave.”
Numerous departments were called for that fire; including several tankers from other departments, since there was no fire hydrant near the scene.