The Jasper Fire Department on Thursday conducted fire inspections at two local motels, in response to complaints from the community.
Jasper Fire Chief Dante Fields, along with the city’s fire marshal, identified numerous safety issues at both the Super 8 and Budget Inn. Those issues were so dangerous the department had no choice but to issue closure orders until they could be repaired,
Fields said. Both motels have until 9 am Friday, Oct. 6, to remove everyone from the locations. Victoria’s Restaurant passed its inspection on Friday morning and will continue to operate adjacent to the Budget Inn.
The issues included structural and electrical issues that posed serious threats to the occupants and workers in the facilities.
“We aren’t doing this to cause anyone issues, we are doing this for their safety,” Fields said. “I hate to cause anyone to lose their home or work, but these violations were things that we could not ignore because they pose a significant risk to their lives.”
Jasper Police officials, Mayor David O’Mary, along with other city officials, and the state fire marshal’s office also visited the locations in response to the complaints lodged last week.
