Press Release - March 1, 2003

Date:
March 1, 2003

Contact:
Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon - Email: fm1@wcfmo.org or
Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Owens - Email: fm2@wcfmo.org
Phone: (410) 632-5666

Worcester County to Join Other Maryland Jurisdictions
With Inspections of Nightclubs and Other Places of Assembly

Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon announced yesterday that the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office would join other Maryland Fire authorities with an increase in random fire safety inspections of the County's nightclubs and other places of assembly. Fire Marshal McMahon stated, "This topic was a big discussion recently at a meeting of fire code authorities in Maryland. Obviously it stems from the Rhode Island tragedy and we want to assure our citizens and visitors that they are safe in Worcester County".

The inspections will focus mainly on overcrowding and locked or blocked exits. The Fire Marshal has ordered that all businesses will receive a civil citation for either of these fire code violations without warning. While Deputies conduct their inspections, they will also be looking for changes within the structure, which include a change in interior finishes which may be flammable.

In addition to nightclub inspections, the Fire Marshal wants to inspect large indoor gatherings, such as school events like Proms and Homecoming celebrations. On a similar note, the Fire Marshal has ordered all County nursing and board and care homes and facilities to be inspected more than the required once a year inspection.

Any County citizen or visitor can make an anonymous fire safety complaint by calling 410-632-5666 or sending an email to firesafety@wcfmo.org

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For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org.