02-23-1982 Letter, Fire Investigation

Home Browse Search

Mr. Thomas J. Jacobs February 23, 1982 Page -3- by Underwriters Laboratories, the International Conference of Building Officials or even, in some cases, the State of Maine). When you are advised of the type of stove someone plans to install, you look up the testing laboratory or manufacturer's instructions as to how the product should be installed, and discuss those instructions with the permit applicant. When construction is complete, you ask to be so informed, and then you visit the site of the construction and inspect the work. If everything is in order, you approve the installation and it may then become operational. When you visited the Carlson residence on December 1, 1980, you "red tagged" the stove installation, which means the stove could not be used until it was properly installed. As you recall, Mr. Carlson hired Minnesota Fireplace to reinstall the stove. As part of that reinstallation, to the best of your recollection, the hearth had to be enlarged, because the stove was moved a considerable distance away from the wall. You reinspected the stove installation on January 24, 1981, and at that time removed the red tag because you found everything in order. You stated there was a smoke smell in the house when you visited it on January 24, 1981, which is a typical result from fires of this type. I asked you if you believe the Carlson residence sustained peznnanent damage as a result of the fire, and you stated no, inasmuch as all of the damaged material (studs, etc.) have been repaired or replaced. You have been the Orono building inspector for some five years, and are certified as a Building Official by the State of Minnesota. Prior to your employment by the City, you worked construction and were in school, studying architectural drafting at the Mnneapolis Area Vocational Technical Institute and at North Hennepin Community College. Thank you very much for taking the time to discuss this matter with me in our telephone conference today. Please review this letter carefully, and contact me at the telephone number indicated cibove if you see any point that could be stated more clearly or that should be corrected. I understand you will mail me a photocopy of the inspection report contained in your file on the Carlson fire. Enclosed with this letter is a photocopy of your correspondence to Bob Carlson dated January 16, 1981. Again, our sincere thanks for your cooperation. Very truly yours, BROEKER, HARTFELDT, HEDGES & GRANT EMR:jlh Enclosure cc: Bob and Meda Carlson Mr. Alex G. Uhler