A News 13 investigation exposes serious fire code violations at Buncombe County schools. We found violations have been reported year after year and now a former electrician for the school district is blowing the whistle, claiming school officials told him not to pull the required permits and life safety issues were not inspected.
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Here’s a transcript of timeline discussion from the Sept 6, 2012. BCBOE school Board meeting. Not the best audio, you may need earphones.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25231691
9.6.12
10:10 Dr. Tony Baldwin transparency.
12:00 Mr. Fox; addressing shredding of work orders.
14:40 Mat Stone director permits Dept. for Buncombe County.
24:50 Terry Gentry, Deputy Fire Marshall for Buncombe County. Explaining procedures for inspections. Says he inspects schools twice a year.
Say he thinks BC Schools are safest in state.
28:18 Lisa Baldwin questions Fire Marshall about fire alarms and electrical systems are performed, he responds “yes.”
L. Baldwin says the company that services those fire alarm systems has never applied for a permit (according to documents). Gentry..says a company must have a permit from fire marshals office.
31:42 Chris Campbell reminds if Board members have a concern, bring to Superintendent. L. Baldwin responds she’s been asking for three months.
32:40 Steve Sizemore asks if one of his jobs is bi-annual inspections.
Have your inspections indicated the fire systems are safe. Gentry; fire alarms meet NFPA ’72 safety standards at the time they were installed.
Sizemore, any concerns as to safety. Gentry, will be times when on part will go out, will occasionally see trouble documented. But says before reports get dispersed he is on phone with maintenance to have problem repaired.
36:30 Bob Rhinehart
And Tim Ferle’s Jan. statement on the controversy.
“This is how business has been done in the area.”~~ Tim Fierle.http://www.tubechop.com/watch/1184337
clearer link
“This is how business has been done in the area.” Tom Fierle. http://www.tubechop.com/watch/1184337