MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Fire Department said a downtown apartment building is on “fire watch” after a recent fire highlighted problems with the alarm system.
Residents of the high rise at 99 N Main Street were evacuated Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, after a fire in one of the apartments. Investigator said the fire was contained to one apartment on the eighth floor and no one was injured. The cause of the fire was an electrical outlet in the bedroom.
In a follow-up to questions from ABC24, MFD investigators said on the day of the fire, someone had pulled the alarm, and the monitoring company notified the fire department. However, MFD said the alarm did not sound in the building to alert residents.
The city of Memphis shared the following statement with ABC24 Wednesday:
"City code enforcement inspectors were on site today after receiving multiple 311 complaints unrelated to the recent fire. During the inspection, code officers took photos but did not find those complaints justified within the city's code of ordinances.
Inspectors also took photos today of the burned unit; the unit is secured and can only be accessed by contacting the management company whose business card was on the door. In addition, inspectors noted water damage in the two adjacent units, and repairs were in progress during today's inspection.
Please be aware that the City’s approach to code violations is complaint driven via 311. We respond when complaints are made from residents, or referrals are made by other city departments such as police or fire."
Investigators also said the sprinkler system at the building is only on floors one through four, so it did not activate since the fire was on the 8th floor.
MFD said in a high rise inspection on May 20, 2022, some deficiencies were found in the system, but fire alarms were tested again in September 2022.
MFD said the building will remain on “fire watch” status until the alarm system issues are corrected.
