Arson, Insurance, and Ethics Questioned in Phoenix
A story posted yesterday on AZCentral.com raises some troubling ethical questions about the involvement of insurance company investigators in fire investigations conducted by public fire officials....
View ArticleMinnesota Court Strikes Down Residential Sprinkler Requirement
The Minnesota Court of Appeals dealt a blow to the fire service yesterday in striking down a state–wide residential sprinkler requirement for new homes over 4500 square feet. The three-judge panel...
View ArticleEvacuate or Shelter in Place for Fire Alarms
Today’s burning question: We have a retirement community in our district and we recently became aware that the property managers have been advising residents to remain in their apartments during fire...
View ArticleBoston Firefighter Sues Red Sox for Race Discrimination
A Boston firefighter is suing the Boston Red Sox claiming that during the 2013 World Series he was denied entry to Fenway Park to conduct an inspection because of his race.
View ArticleProperty Owner Sues Ohio City and City Officials Including Fire Chief
A property owner is suing an Ohio city and 20 city employees claiming they illegally barred him from creating four units in two existing buildings. Bryon Graf filed suit against the City of Nelsonville...
View ArticlePhoenix Fire Marshal Reassigned Following Investigation Into Conflicts Of...
Phoenix Fire Marshall Jack Ballentine has been permanently reassigned to the fire department's Homeland Security section following investigations into his involvement with fund raising for the public...
View ArticleWest Virginia City Sues Owner of Vacant Building for Fees and Access
The City of Bluefield, West Virginia is suing the owner of a former supermarket for inspection fees and to allow firefighters access to the building for purposes of preplanning. The suit is based on a...
View ArticleFireworks Dealer Sues Michigan City Over Sky Lanterns
A pyrotechnic retailer is suing a Michigan community over a fire marshal’s enforcement of a local ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of sky lanterns. Black Diamond Fireworks has filed suit against...
View ArticleIdaho Chief’s Suit Survives Summary Judgment
A wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the former fire marshal of Nampa, Idaho survived a motion for summary judgment last week. Deputy Chief Doug Strosnider was fired in May, 2014 after he sent...
View ArticleFlorida Department and Chief Sued Over Hotel Closure
A Florida fire department and fire chief are being sued by the owner of a hotel that was ordered closed due to fire code violations. Kenilworth Properties, owner of the Kenilworth Hotel, is suing the...
View ArticleSecond Suit Filed Against Red Sox Over Green Monster Race Discrimination
A second Boston Fire Department fire prevention employee has filed suit against the Boston Red Sox claiming security officers refused to allow him access to the historic Green Monster during Game 1 of...
View ArticleFirst Suits Filed in Oakland Ghost Ship Fire
The first lawsuits have been filed in the Oakland Ghost Ship fire, accusing the building owners of negligence and wrongful death. The December 2, 2016 fire killed 36 attendees of an electronic dance...
View ArticleNJ Fire Inspector Awarded $1 Million
A New Jersey fire inspector who claims he was harassed because he cited various businesses with close ties to the mayor for fire code violations, has been awarded over $1 million by a Superior Court...
View ArticleLAFD Facing Yet Another Discrimination Lawsuit
The Los Angeles City Fire Department is again facing another employment discrimination lawsuit, this time by a group of fire prevention inspectors who claim they have been harassed and discriminated...
View ArticleVancouver Facing $22.5 Million Suit Over Closure Of Night Club For Fire Code...
The owners of a Vancouver nightclub are suing the city, its fire chief, and 4 others for $22.5 million claiming they conspired to put it out of business because it catered to Black and Hispanic...
View ArticleOakland, Alameda County and California Added As Defendants in Ghost Ship Fire...
In a move that was not unexpected, the City of Oakland, Alameda County and the State of California have been added to a mass-tort lawsuit arising out of the Ghost Ship fire. The December 2, 2016 fire...
View ArticleSan Francisco Sues Slumlord Over Unsafe Living Quarters
The City of San Francisco has filed suit against the owner and master tenant of a commercial building who illegally sub-leased basement living space to more than 20 vulnerable residents in a way that...
View ArticleConnecticut Supreme Court Holds the Failure to Conduct Required Fire...
In a 5 to 1 decision handed down today, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that a wrongful death suit against the Bridgeport Fire Department should proceed to trial because the city’s failure to meet...
View ArticleBridgeport Sues Contractor For Indemnification Over Fatal Fire
The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut and its Mayor, fire chief, fire marshal, zoning official, and building official have filed suit against a construction company seeking indemnification for any...
View ArticleNH Inn Owner Sues Town and Fire Chief for $2 million
A New Hampshire fire chief is being sued by the owner of a bed and breakfast who claims the chief conspired with the town’s treasurer, with whom he is romantically involved, to damage his business....
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