HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Inspection Correspondence 1986-1-30
SPRINGFIELD
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
Office of Community & Economic Development
CERTIFIED LETTER
January 30, 1986
Mr. David Hufford
2129 Shady Lane Drive
Springfield, OR 97478
RE: Fireplace at 4952 Bluebe11e Way
Dear Mr. Hufford:
In t1arch 1985, at the request of the City Fi re Department, the
Building Safety Division investigated the conditions of the Majestic
metal premanufactured fireplace which was the apparent cause of a
fire at the above address. The fireplace' had ignited adjacent wall
studs after the tenant had reportedly burned a "hot II fi re for a
period of several hours in order to "dry out" a moist condition in
the dwe 11 i n g .'
Our inspection revealed that the rear refractory heat shield,
which was originally a part of the listed appliance, had been
replaced with a metal shield, and the metal firebox enclosure had
developed some buckling due to extensive heat exposure. In addition,
the plug, which covers the hole provided in the side of the firebox
for a log lighter, was absent and the cavity beside the firebox
appeared to be partially filled with ash. It w~s noted that this is
the side where the fire started.
Due to the. above problems, it is our conclusion that the
fireplace is no longer a listed appliance and must not be burned.
Repair of the unit to the original factory listing specifications or
r~placement is required. Meanwhile, it is your responsibility to
advise your tenants that the fireplace must not be used until the
necessary repair or replacement is approved.
225 North 5th Street . Springfield, Oregon 97477. 503/726-3753
MR. DAVID HUFFORD
Page 2
If you wish to repair the fireplace, it will be necess~ry to
verify, through factory authorized inspection, that the unit is in
repairable ~ondition.
It was unfortunate that Mr. David Keller, special investigator
for Majestic Fireplace Company, was unable to inspect the unit when
he was in town. His inspection would have helped expedite the
I
solution. He is based in Indiana and can be reached by phone at
1-(219) 356-8000. Mr. Keller was referred to us by Majestic.s
Northwest representative, Mr. Don Gauthier, in Bellvue, Washi~gton,
who may be contacted at (206) 453-1487 (answering service) or at the
address indicated below.
Please obtain the written factory authorization for the repair
from Majestic Fireplace Company, and contact this office for a permit
and inspection for the repairs or replacement of the fireplace uAit.
Sincerely,
11.. \~
\.~:)v ;\iCCr\ ~-
Don r~oo re
Structura 1 Inspector
cc: David Keller - Special Investigator
Majestic Fireplace Co.
1000 E. Market Street
P.O. Box 300
Huntington, IN 46750
Don Gauthier - Northwest Representative
Majestic Fireplace Co.
16247 S.E. 29th
Bellvue, WA . 98008
Mike Hudman - City Fire Marshall
David Puent - Building Official
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