Mayor: Civic center in compliance with state, local fire codes
JACKSON, Tenn. — After fire department inspection documents revealed numerous concerns with the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Mayor Jerry Gist says the building is and always has been in compliance with state and local fire safety codes. Gist’s response comes after documents from recent months listed violations including faulty alarm and sprinkler systems. The city’s independent alarm system contractor noted deficiencies with the alarm system during a routine inspection, which led to a full inspection Sep. 26 by the Jackson Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, according to a release from the mayor’s office. That inspection revealed additional maintenance issues with sprinkler and alarm systems which were immediately addressed, the release states. The facility’s sprinkler system is now operational and has been inspected and tested in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standards, according to the release. The fire department has implemented “fire watch” at all events after the issues with the fire alarm system were discovered, the release states. This is described as a fire department presence watching for early signs of fire and functioning as a “human fire alarm system.” Civic center officials have previously said the majority of the violations already have been corrected. The civic center was built in the 1970s, the release states.
