HAMDEN -- Could a fire like the one in Oakland happen here in Connecticut?
It's one that many people are likely asking in wake of the deadly warehouse fire that claimed 36 lives at an electronic dance music party.
Hamden Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshall Tim Lunn’s job is to take every step to prevent that. His job is to ensure businesses adhere to current fire protection codes, which cover all commercial buildings and multi-family homes. An emphasis is placed on locations where many people gather.
"If its designed to have more than 50 people, we call it an assembly," Lunn said.
When inspecting a building, Lunn checks for "fire protection features, the fire systems; (the code) covers corridors, exits, building layouts."
Everyone can point out the entrance for a restaurant or business--it's where you came in. But Lunn says it's important to know where other exits are in case of an emergency. Most places you go, "you're generally unfamiliar with your surroundings," so Lunn says it's especially important to do a once-over and find all possible exits and escape routes.
