The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-26
1T is A FIRE TRAP
City Officials Condemn Part of
Auditorium.
Chief Wilmarth Demands Action
at Once.
CHAIRS ARE LOOSE.
Must Be Fastened to the Floor
Aisles Too Marrow.
Nothing Wrong With Building
just Arrangement.

Owing to the arrangements OF
chairs, the width of the aisles and the
lack of fire escapes, the gallery of To-
peka's auditorium has been con-
floor of the building has been adj
judged dangerous.
For two years Chief Wilmarth OF
the fire department. has attempted to
arouse the interest of the city admin
istrations on the dangers connected
with this building on account of its
interior seating plan.
Not until his last letter to the new
commissioner, E. B. Stotts, has the
fire chief been able to stir the com
missioners to action. With the fire
marshal, Commissioner Stotts has Wis
tied the auditorium and following his
visit he declared that the entire gal
lery is unsafe and unless something
was done at once, it is dangerous for
the public to venture inside in large
numbers.
The chief danger in the auditorium
is in the seat arrangement. In no
place in the house are the chairs
fastened to the floor. This for the
purpose of clearing out the floors for
fairs, dances, etc. But In the gallery,
it is asserted, there is no reason for
these folding chairs being unfastened'
In case of a fire or panic, it Is stated,
the exits are so arranged that the peo-
pie would crowd out blindly and in
stumbling over loose chairs and I'm
fixed aisles loss of life would be prob
able.
Building Itself Is Good.
The building itself is considered in
excellent shape There is no danger
from this source. If the commission
ers rearrange the chairs and make the
inprovements suggested by Chief Will
marth everything will be in good
shape.
Il have always regarded the gallery
aa a fire trap" said Commissioner
Stotts this afternoon. 1.-THE arrange
ment of the chairs is poor and the
aisles are never in good shape. The
fire chief takes every precaution IN
stationing a half dozen men in the
building at all MEETINGS there-but
something must and something will be
done to make this place safe"
Following are extracts from the fire
chiefs letter to the city commission
ers:
II have called the attention of the
authorities having charge of the au-
ditorium a number of times in the last
two years, but the improvements sug-
gested have not been carried into ef-
feet, now earnestly urge that some
thing be done without further delay to
insure greater safety to the public
when the building is crowded with
people.
In case of fire or panic occurring
within this building when filled with
people this system of seating would
unquestionably retar the egress OF
the audience and would be very liable
to result in injury to many within the
building and possible loss of life. The
aisles on the main floor and in the
galleries are not in all cases of suf-
ficient width for the proper exit and
safety of those within and do not
comply with the state law.
II consider the gallery-especially
that part at the west end of the build
ing when crowded with people, the
most dangerous part of the entire
building and means of escape in case
of fire or panic 1 consider wholly in
adequate. This should certainly be
remedied in the most practical man
ner."