Building Codes Can Vary From Town To Town

BOSTON -- The Station nightclub in Rhode Island had recently passed a fire inspection, but fire codes and enforcement can vary from city to city.

NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick reported that Massachusetts fire codes and regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the state fire marshal's office, the agency that investigates suspicious fires and determines if residential buildings and public places meet standards.

When codes are violated, citations are issued and fines levied. In extreme or repeat cases, buildings are closed.

But while the state fire marshal will implement the laws, what those laws are can vary from place to place. What's legal in one town might not be in another.

Commercial occupancy permits and the number of required emergency exits is determined by the size and use of the building at the local level, and an occupancy permit won't be issued unless there is compliance

The use of sprinkler systems versus the use of only smoke detectors is also determined by use and size of the building.

Local officials are generally responsible for enforcing the fire laws, but there are also common sense things anyone should be aware of when in a place of business.

Whenever you go into a local building, be it a theater, restaurant or mall, be aware of your surroundings. Locate all the exits and especially the ones closest to you. If an exit is blocked, tell someone, and don't be shy about reporting problems to local fire officials.