This article is from page 3 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
AS MANY as 180 people throughout Clare have been forced to move out of their homes because of fire safety issues in apartments.
Since February of this year, 66 apartments in the county have been vacated by their residents due to various fire safety issues identified as a result of inspections undertaken by the Clare Fire Services.
A serious outbreak of fire highlighted safety issues in one block of apartments that remains unoccupied, while other issues came to light as a result of individual complaints.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Denis O’Connell warned that a fire in an apartment at ground level could have serious implications for residents living higher in the building.
“It is important that escape routes are kept clear and that all persons are alerted to a fire situation as soon as possible,” he said.
“The owners of apartments have a responsibility to provide a safe premises that is well managed,” he added.
The Clare Fire Services have encountered a number of breaches of the fire safety requirements during the last few months.
Among the main breaches were regular doors on flats rather than the specified self-closing fire doors.
Main stairways were not protected, as they were not well-constructed and clear of obstructions, or storage.
Apartment buildings should be provided with a well-maintained automatic fire detection and alarm system, according to the fire service, which claims that this regulation is also ignored from time to time.
All electronic fixtures and fittings within the building should be wellmaintained, including the emergency lighting system, and all safety systems and escape routes should be well maintained and records should be kept of all fire safety management on the premises, according to Mr O’Connell.
The acting fire chief also reminded appartment owners that breaches of Fire Safety on premises could lead to a prosecution under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003.