Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Jan 09/06) - Work is underway to eliminate fire hazards at Fort Smith's Pinecrest Hotel, but it could be a while before long-term residents are allowed to return.

The building was closed Dec. 2 by order of the fire marshal and about 30 residents were forced to leave immediately.

Hotel operator Bruce Gordier estimates it could take a few months before the work is completed and the dislocated people can return.

Gordier says that's because the fire marshal's office is requiring architectural or engineering plans before it will approve some of the work.

However, he finds it difficult to understand why the drawings are necessary for such things as drywalling holes in ceilings and walls.

"We're not doing anything structural," says Gordier.

If the drawings and approvals were not required, Gordier says the Pinecrest could be up and running in 15 days.

Fire marshal Bernie Van Tighem says it's standard process to have architectural or engineering plans for such work.

"It's a typical process when building a building or changing a building," Van Tighem says.

Such plans are the only way a qualified professional can review the proposed changes to ensure they meet code, he explains.

During a Nov. 30 inspection, an assistant fire marshal found a non-functioning alarm system, uncertainty whether the sprinkler system worked, missing structural separations to restrict the spread of fire and smoke, missing stairs and blocked exits, and improper storage of combustible materials.

Since the inspection, six empty fire extinguishers have been filled and two new ones added, bringing the total to 13 in the building.

Gordier says the sprinkler system was inspected just before Christmas and he is awaiting a written report. Some of the sprinkler heads need to be replaced and one valve is not working, he says, although he notes the problems only affect maybe a dozen of the roughly 300 sprinkler heads in the 27,000 sq.ft. building.

The alarm system can't be inspected until the sprinkler system is approved.

Eight truckloads of combustible material have been removed from the building, including a half-dozen truckloads of furniture from the basement.

Gordier is being assisted by volunteers, mostly ousted residents. On a given day, between eight and 15 people could be helping out. Van Tighem is happy to see the improvements that have been made at the Pinecrest.

"I'm heartened by the forward movement," he says.

One volunteer worker is ousted resident Jonathan Tourangeau, who is currently staying at a bed and breakfast.

"I'd rather be back in the Pinecrest," he says, noting he lived there for about six months.

Tourangeau says he has been helping to clean up and remove material from the building.

"I've been helping out everywhere I can," he says.

The 23-year-old retail clerk says he plans to return to the Pinecrest once it reopens, even if it does take a few months.

"I wouldn't mind it to be earlier," he adds.