Tenacious Fire Chief Gets Two Buildings Razed
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The Editor’s Opinion Page
We have always been a strong advocate of adequate building codes and fire codes as a means of protecting life and property. But codes require enforcement which in turn requires constant vigilance by fire departments. So it was with a great deal of pleasure, and pride in the fire service, that we first read the almost amazing story that was sent to us by Chief John R. Richards that we pass on to you in this issue.
But first we must set the scene. The chief heads up a fire department that has six paid men and 40 volunteers in Prairie Township, Ohio, that adjoins Columbus. At one time this fire department had only farmhouses and residences to protect. Now, in addition to the farmland, there are apartment complexes, shopping centers, motels and other commercial establishments—all part of the growth and progress that has extended to suburbia and put heavy responsibilities on small fire departments. Not the least of these responsibilities is code enforcement which leads us to our amazing story.
It all began some six years ago when a builder got a permit to construct a $3 million apartment complex containing two buildings each six stories high. Offhand you would say there was nothing startling about that. But the six-story buildings were to be of wood frame, balloon construction and with the aluminum wiring that has allegedly caused many fires throughout the country. There were other horrors that are spelled out in the article.
Chief Richards was against the project from the first but through an erroneous interpretation of the generally respected state building code, a permit was granted and the two buildings started. Labeled “Toothpick Towers” by the Prairie Township Fire Department, the buildings presented a severe exposure to adjoining apartment houses.
Frequent inspections by the chief and his men during construction disclosed a variety of violations, the most obvious of which was sloppy workmanship. And, after two fires on the site, Chief Richards had enough. He issued an order which he personally typed to have construction stopped. This was in 1972, and after five years of legal battles (the chief and the county prosecutor won them all) the $3 million complex was razed.
So, for those small fire departments who feel that they can’t buck the big money boys, we suggest a close reading of Chief Richards’ trials and tribulations. His story is certainly one of courage and determination backed up by a knowledge of fire and life safety and, of course, a dedication to his job. There are no “Fire Chief of the Year” awards, but if one is ever established, Chief Richards should be the first recipient.
