After last week's devastating fire at the Chizuk Emuna synagogue in Harrisburg, CBS 21 News wanted to know more about the practice of fire safety inspections.
According to Inspector Mike Harris, of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, churches and other places of worship are not inspected as often as other city buildings. In fact, beyond the opening of a church, inspections are almost none existent. It is in contrast to frequent, random inspections that are performed at city businesses and restaurants.
There are, of course, exceptions.
"If there is a change of use in the property, or an addtion," Harris tells CBS 21 News. "For example, if there is a day care center, a Head Start program, or even an after-school program, then we hacve to be a little more stringent. Do they have the proper safety mechanisms in place?"
Harris says he will also inspect places of worship, if he is alerted to a potential problem. In that case, he says he will meet with the head of the congregation, to suggest ways to make the building safer.
Investigators determined that last Friday's fire at the Chizuk Emuna began when some ceremonial candles were left unattended, and caught a table on fire. The fire then spread to the rest of the building, resulting in an estimated two-million-dollars in damages.
While Harris says it is a mistake that could have been made anywhere, it is especially painful to see a place of worship go up in flames. Still, he says he's hoping other local congregations take notice.
"That's our hope. Most definitely," says Harris. "We would like for all churches to look at this as an example as something that can happen. Something very simple. I'm sure they've had these ceremonies for years, and they've never had an incident, until now. And that is exactly what it is. It's an accident. Itsan unforseen event. An one that is unfortunate for them."
Engine 21 can be seen every Wednesday, during CBS 21 News at Six.
