The fire suppression industry has experienced a number of recent changes, including an increased need for suppression in varying situations– from wildfires, to installation of commercial suppression systems, there is great demand for fire suppression services.
With this growth comes increased risks— it’s important to make sure you are protecting your business and your employees from potential threats. In recent news, firework ordinances are tightening around the country, and fire suppression systems are more liable than ever for the holiday tradition. Central Insurance Agency is prepared to provide you with a custom insurance solution to fit your needs.
Eastpointe seeks to tighten fireworks ordinance
By Susan Smiley for Macomb Daily
Eastpointe, MI- Eastpointe took initial steps Tuesday toward eliminating fireworks sales from non-permanent structures such as a tent and requiring that all such retail operations are housed in a permanent building. City Council did a “first read” on the proposed zoning ordinance amendment and is expected to vote on it next month.
The new ordinance would not affect fireworks sales for the Fourth of July 2021.
Other cities, including neighboring Roseville, have instituted similar guidelines and Eastpointe Fire Marshal Brian Marquardt supports the change to the city’s current fireworks ordinance.
“The reason for this whole push is to have a safer city for our residents and businesses,” said Marquardt. “Moving firework sales out of the parking lots and moving them into brick and motor structures is just safer all around.”
The amended ordinance would also require retail establishments selling fireworks to have an approved fire suppression system such as sprinklers.
Marquardt noted during the Fourth of July last year, Eastpointe firefighters responded to four fires caused by consumer fireworks that caused damage to property. He acknowledged none of those fires were in or near a tent selling fireworks, but contends moving all fireworks sales into permanent structures enhances overall safety.
“There are certain protocols we follow for the outdoor sales of fireworks and for our businesses, it is a little something extra for them to do throughout the year,” said Councilman Cardi DeMonaco. “I’m fine with how we do things now.”
Deputy Fire Chief Nick Sage pointed out that in most cases, it is not an established, local business adding a fireworks tent in its parking lot as an added source of income but instead, they are leasing part of their parking lot to an outside vendor to sell fireworks.
“The city gets a $31 permit fee for this to happen and that’s it,” said Sage. “There is no revenue for the city so it is our position that if fireworks are going to be sold in the city and they are sold in a brick and mortar facility, that adds value to the city and that is what we’re after. Plus permanent structures are safer because they can have a sprinkler system.”
Sage said the increased foot traffic in parking lots from people walking to and from the tents to purchase fireworks can also be an issue. Tents also take up parking spaces and affect right-of-ways in parking lots.
“More and more cities are going over to this kind of ordinance,” said Marquardt. “I’m afraid if we don’t get on the front end of this, next year we are going to have 20 or 30 tents all over the city. We are trying to get a foothold on it and make it safer.”
DeMonaco and Councilwoman Sylvia Moore voted against moving forward with the ordinance; councilpersons Sarah Lucido, Harvey Curley and Mayor Monique Owens voted in support.