Second lawsuit over deadly fire

[Dave1983]

Condo residents sued by firefighter

David Hogan is the second firefighter to sue the Dolphin Cove Homeowners Association for a fatal 2002 fire.

Full story here:

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/21/Northpinellas/Condo_residents_sued_.shtml

[FireH2O]

What is an “emergency pipe”? Is it a standpipe? Is it a sprinkler riser?

I believe Florida has adopted NFPA 25. NFPA 25 places the responsibility of inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipes and sprinkler systems (as well as fire pumps, tanks, etc.) on the owner.

Control valves are required to be inspected:
weekly (if sealed) or
monthly (if locked or with a tamper switch).
Control valves are required to be tested annually - close it/open it.

A main drain test is required quarterly where the sole supply is through a backflow preventer, otherwise, annually (older editions of NFPA 25 required quarterly main drain tests). A main drain test is also required after a valve has been closed and reopened. The main drain test is helpful in identifying closed valves or severely obstructed pipe.

Was any of this done? Does the owner have any records? Was a service company contracted to perform this service? Any records? Where was the closed valve in the “emergency pipe”: the street, basement/1st floor, fire floor?

This case is significant. Firefighters have a tacit expectation of entering a code complying building. Of course we all know this doesn’t happen very often, and we should never count on it. However, the owner is legally responsible for maintaining the building. If a civilian is injured, the owner is sued, Why not firefighters? I know there have been lawsuits denied to firefighters, but maybe it’s time to change it.

By the way, was the owner cited under the fire code for the closed valve? Hopefully, the fire code in effect has such a requirement.

[Weruj1]

well isnt that strange ...............