As a point of information, I'm repeating an email that was received through the SFMO email address. This is certainly not the first message of its type that's been received, it certainly is one of the better written comments on the subject even in light of its angry tone and, while I don't subscribe to the same position, meaning I support the code's language partly because it was adopted through a consensus process, it is a fair representation of the view many apartment and condo occupants have. But I've also received information that an approximate equal number of occupants support the ban.
If you haven't already run into this objection to the code's prohibition of grills in non-sprinklered R-2s, this should introduce you to it.
-----Original Message----- From: Chad P. [mailto:chad@devmedio.com] Posted At: Thursday, October 13, 2005 6:26 PM Posted To: Statefiremarshal Conversation: 307.5.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices Subject: 307.5.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices
I find the recent "clarification" of the gas grill code (307.5.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices) to be discriminatory and completely inconceivable. I have owned a gas grill for three years, and not once have I taken any action that could be considered dangerous or improper. What the state has essentially said, it seems, is that those who live in townhouses and apartments are less intelligent people, incapable of following basic safety instructions. It also says that the Fire Marshal's office has little to no respect for the sanctity of
private property, and does not believe in personal responsibility. If we're going to punish people, we should be punishing them for their actions, not for some statistical possibility of danger.
If gas grills are dangerous, then they are dangerous for all people. Either outlaw the grills, or apply the regulation fairly.... that is, stop discriminating against those of us in townhouses and apartment buildings. Using the same logic as the Fire Marshal's office has used, shall we outlaw guns for minorities who have a statistically higher chance of committing a crime?
This is ridiculous. Utterly, inconcievably ridiculous.
I would be interested in modeling that shows a fire with regular combustibles as the fuel load on a multi-family balcony versus one with LPG in the fuel load equation.
I would also be interested in what NFPA has to say about that type of sprinkler system protecting a fuel load of LPG rather than regular combustibles.
