I received an inquiry regarding Open Flame Effects using Class 3 propane flames for an entertainment performance. I am currently researching the Fire Code and would like any assistance. If anyone has dealt with this type of entertainment please contact me.

Here is a brief description of the performance in question:
Open Flame Effects performance by applying kevlar to various skill toys such as flower sticks, chains, and staves using Class 3 propane flame effects per NFPA 160. Eight regulated accumulators are used with solenoid valves controlled by a computer with several manual overrides both electronic and physical. The effects are used to fill a show with improv comedy and feats of skill.

Thank you,
Rick Barber, AFC
City of Brunswick, Div. of Fire
(330) 273- 8046
rbarber@brunswick.oh.us

I have a couple of questions that I would like to ask and get as much feedback as possible. 

1.  Is anyone using the NFPA online system and how has it been working?   
2.  Does anyone use a laptop for their inspections?  What are the advantages and disadvantages?  Has there been a cost savings for your department? 

Thank you,
Todd Ayres
Highland Heights FD
tayres@highlandhtsfire.com

I had a discussion recently with an assistant building commissioner regarding the right to enter a residence because of escess fire load in the home. It is my understanding that I do not have the right to enter a home, but I can enter a business during times of operation to do an inspection. The commissioner has stated that the right of entry is in the building, fire and residential codes. Therefore, that gives the fire department the right to enter a personal residence. Any and all opinions regarding "right of entry" are greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Linbell Lewis
Brookpark FD
llewis@cityofbrookpark.com

Does NFPA allow combination fire and burglar alarm panels in commercial businesses? The device in question is manufactured by Digital Monitoring Products and it's a 574-zone command processor. Any information would be helpful.

Thank you,
Todd Ayres
Highland Heights FD
tayres@highlandhtsfire.com

We are looking for information regarding the "Autofry" ventless, hoodless, self-contained deep fat fryers by Motion Technology, Inc. If anyone has any information or experience with these fryers please contact Rich Ciarrone at the Parma Fire Department.

Thank you,
Rich Ciarrone
Fire Inspector, Parma FD
insprciarrone@parmafire.org

We are looking for information on the pros and cons of 5-inch Storz FDCs. Does anyone use them and why?

Thanks in advance,,
Scott D. Bement
Asst. Chief, N Ridgeville FD
SBement@NRidgeville.org

We are looking for suggestions for certified fire alarm companies regarding situations that involve non-compliant or shoddy workmanship at locations. We have been instructed to file a compaint with the State Fire Marshal's Office, but that would circumvent the local AHJ and I don't believe that would be taken kindly. In too many cases, the locations may not be scheduled for a local inspection, or the "repairs" were made without permit or application to the municipality.

Since the majority of your constituents will probably only visit these types of locations on a yearly basis, it is impossible to remember what was installed, what was added and who is doing the work. Unfortunately, these locations usually keep the original service stickers on the panels, even though that particular company may not be responsible for the actions incurred.

As a whole, we would like the membership to advise us on how they would like to approach situations like this. Our records do indicate our dates of service/visits should there be any litigation, but the doubts are cast in the direction of that supplier until it can be proven that they did not do the work. In the past couple of years the economic downturn has created more of these situations than ever before. Cheaper is not always proper. If you can shed some light on what the AHJ's would require, we would appreciate it.

Thank you,
Frank Frizell
NFS, Inc., Member
nfs-inc@msn.com

Section 308.7 of the Ohio Fire Code prohibits open flame devices in Group A occupancies. Although there are three exceptions, this application does not meet any of the exceptions. In the Group A occupancy, is it permitted to use a sterno can with the open flame to warm food on tables that the public has access to? I have noticed this type of set up at weddings, banquets, and numerous social functions.Any information would be greatly appreciated: fkuntz@woosteroh.com.

Thank you in advance.
Frank Kuntz- Assistant Fire Chief
Wooster City Fire Department
(330) 263-5266

In regards to the construction of booths in public assembly buildings at special events such as trade shows, fairs, home & garden shows, health and safety fairs, etc. - Is all material that is used in the construction of the booth required to meet the flame propagation performance criteria that is containe in the Ohio Fire Code 807.1? This would include lumber, the display table, the table skirting, shelving, and any other material that is used to decorate or construct the booth. Please forward any info to: fkuntz@woosteroh.com.

Thank you in advance for your help:
Frank Kuntz- Assistant Fire Chief
Wooster City Fire Department
(330) 263-5266

Strongsville Fire Prevention is researching departmental responses to fire alarms. We are specifically requesting information regarding:

- Requirements for locations having fire alarms requiring company personnel to respond to alarms regardless of the time of day.
- Information on whether fire department personnel are allowed to silence and reset alarms in the absence of company personnel.
- Information on fire department responses to multiple false alarms from the same faulty detector (eg. having a single FD individual respond non-emergency to establish that it is a false alarm).

Thanks for your help. Please contact me via phone or emal at:

Alan Finkelstein
Assistant Fire Marshal
Strongsville Fire & Emergency Services
Alan.Finkelstein@stronsville.org

We would like to generate a list of salary ranges for area fire inspectors and/or fire prevention officers. Please forward your information to Jim Alunni at jimalunni@hotmail.com.

Thank you in advance:
Jim Alunni - Fire Prevention Officer
Chagrin Falls FD