The phase two fire report says nothing could contain the fire once it started and that some simple upgrades would have saved lives.  The report detailed a1998 inspection, one of the violations included obstructed paths to the exit.  The report says that same issue made it difficult for firefighters to escape from the building.

The panel in charge of this latest report classified the Sofa Super Store as a property with significant potential for a major fire.

Between 1996 and 2005, the store added four small structures including the loading dock. The report says the city files do not contain a record of building permits or applications for the additions. The panel says those permits would have required a sprinkler system or firewalls. because the fire separation space was compromised.

As for the store contents, the report says the fire load was very high in most areas because of the nature of the business. The showroom was crowded with furniture and firefighters told the panel it was difficult to advance the hoses. Large amounts of flammable liquids were also found including 28 one gallon containers found in the corner of the loading dock which possibly contained paint thinner. The report says these products added to the fire risk at the Sofa Super Store.

The report also says the city issued no permits for the use and storage of flammable liquids in the amounts determined at this site.

Email To A Friend