During the Fall holiday season, many organizations and individuals are in the planning stages for holiday activities.
State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard wants to remind everyone the State Fire Prevention Code requires adequate fire protection be provided in Haunted Houses and special amusement buildings – either permanent or temporary.
“These common sense requirements, based on national model codes and standards, will help us avert a tragedy similar to the one that struck a New Jersey theme park over two decades ago that resulted in the tragic loss of life of eight people,” said the State Fire Marshal.
Requirements such as a sufficient number of exits, automatic smoke detection in reduced lighting venues, exit marking and emergency lighting help minimize the risk from fire. Other requirements addressing automatic fire sprinkler protection, prohibitions against using flammable and combustible finishes and wall coverings, banning open flame devices such as candles and lanterns along with smoking prohibitions promote a fire-safe environment.
“Although ‘Haunted Houses’ may not seem to present a fire danger to most people, they can easily disorient patrons and in a fire emergency slow their escape,” says the State Fire Marshal.
Entrepreneurs considering creating a Haunted House attraction are urged to contact their local fire prevention bureau or the office of the State Fire Marshal for a complete list of fire safety requirements before creating their venue. The State Fire Marshal adds that, “The best way to ensure fire safety is with proper planning!”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the State of Maryland dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation, and fire protection engineering.
For more information on fire and life safety, call 1 (800) 525-3124 or log on to our website at www.firemarshal.state.md.us.