Warsaw Home Called Fire Hazard By City

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jennifer [email protected]

A Warsaw couple's residence has been determined to be a fire safety hazard.

A hearing was held Monday at Warsaw City Hall in regards to the home of Roland and Carolyn Stafford, 1824 Sue Ave., Warsaw.

Linda Shull, who lives with the couple, who are her sister and brother-in-law, spoke on behalf of the couple who were not able to attend the hearing due to health problems.

Hearing Officer Lawrence Clifford reviewed exterior photographs of the home that were taken in July, provided by Building Commissioner Todd Slabaugh.

Slabaugh also read a fire report inspection of the single-family home conducted by the Warsaw Fire Department.

Slabaugh said the department was called to the residence Nov. 23, 2005, due to the occupants complaining of smelling smoke.

The report stated the living room had an abundance of combustible materials such as boxes, paper and trash piled in front of the couch area, leaving a walk path of approximately 2-feet in width.

The kitchen, located behind the living room, was occupied by numerous small animals secured in cages.

The report states the residence is observed as a fire safety hazard.

It said the amount of excess combustible materials in the structure creates a rescue hazard to the occupants and firefighters in a smoke-filled atmosphere.

The report also states there are numerous electrical hazards in the home such as non-covered electrical outlets, extension cords and drop lights being used as regular lighting.

It states two of the three occupants have health issues, and in the event of an emergency, the vast amount of combustible storage and lack of walking space emergency personnel might have trouble helping the occupants in a timely manner.

Under Indiana code, an unsafe building is any building or structure that is unsafe or dangerous to any person or property, or is a fire hazard, or is a hazard to the public health, or is a public nuisance or does not comply with standards for building conditions or maintenance of which would be dangerous to any person or property.

The Staffords were mailed a letter dated July 20, 2006, stating the home was an unsafe premise and the family had 30 days to comply with state and building codes.

Shull said she is cleaning up the home, but does not have a vehicle and is seeking the help of a friend who has a pickup truck to help her clean the home.

Shull said the items will be taken to the friend's home who lives on a farm, and combustibles will be burnt.

"People can have the choice to live the way they want to, but I am not putting up with an unsafe home that is dangerous to occupants and paramedics who may need to assist the occupants," Clifford said.

He imposed a $1,000 civil penalty fine on the Staffords and postponed if for 30 days until Sept. 20.

The family will be responsible for cleaning up the home and scheduling an inspection by the department of code enforcement, Clifford said.

If the family fails the inspection, then the civil penalty will be effective immediately.

Another hearing will be held Oct. 15 if the couple is not in compliance.

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A Warsaw couple's residence has been determined to be a fire safety hazard.

A hearing was held Monday at Warsaw City Hall in regards to the home of Roland and Carolyn Stafford, 1824 Sue Ave., Warsaw.

Linda Shull, who lives with the couple, who are her sister and brother-in-law, spoke on behalf of the couple who were not able to attend the hearing due to health problems.

Hearing Officer Lawrence Clifford reviewed exterior photographs of the home that were taken in July, provided by Building Commissioner Todd Slabaugh.

Slabaugh also read a fire report inspection of the single-family home conducted by the Warsaw Fire Department.

Slabaugh said the department was called to the residence Nov. 23, 2005, due to the occupants complaining of smelling smoke.

The report stated the living room had an abundance of combustible materials such as boxes, paper and trash piled in front of the couch area, leaving a walk path of approximately 2-feet in width.

The kitchen, located behind the living room, was occupied by numerous small animals secured in cages.

The report states the residence is observed as a fire safety hazard.

It said the amount of excess combustible materials in the structure creates a rescue hazard to the occupants and firefighters in a smoke-filled atmosphere.

The report also states there are numerous electrical hazards in the home such as non-covered electrical outlets, extension cords and drop lights being used as regular lighting.

It states two of the three occupants have health issues, and in the event of an emergency, the vast amount of combustible storage and lack of walking space emergency personnel might have trouble helping the occupants in a timely manner.

Under Indiana code, an unsafe building is any building or structure that is unsafe or dangerous to any person or property, or is a fire hazard, or is a hazard to the public health, or is a public nuisance or does not comply with standards for building conditions or maintenance of which would be dangerous to any person or property.

The Staffords were mailed a letter dated July 20, 2006, stating the home was an unsafe premise and the family had 30 days to comply with state and building codes.

Shull said she is cleaning up the home, but does not have a vehicle and is seeking the help of a friend who has a pickup truck to help her clean the home.

Shull said the items will be taken to the friend's home who lives on a farm, and combustibles will be burnt.

"People can have the choice to live the way they want to, but I am not putting up with an unsafe home that is dangerous to occupants and paramedics who may need to assist the occupants," Clifford said.

He imposed a $1,000 civil penalty fine on the Staffords and postponed if for 30 days until Sept. 20.

The family will be responsible for cleaning up the home and scheduling an inspection by the department of code enforcement, Clifford said.

If the family fails the inspection, then the civil penalty will be effective immediately.

Another hearing will be held Oct. 15 if the couple is not in compliance.

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