The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-12-14
BY JOSEPH cALE.AN

Two yeafB ago yesterday the Liquor Control Commission ruled that no liquor permit or renewal would be issued by that ofi1ce tn. less the owner of the premises iflr volyed compiled with all the fire regulations in this city.
 AS 6 consequence, here in water bury. no tavern, hotel or restaurant owner, regardless Of his name, pres- tage or political pull is able to ob- tain that license or renewal with out first submitting his establish. ment to an investigation by Fire Marshal Eugene Legge.
 Following the inspection, the Marshal submits his "ok" or his "thufnhs down" in c report to the Llauor Control Commission. Their action s based solely on the report of the Marshal This one instance in the numerous measures taken by local and state authorities to pre- vent fires and their dire conse' quences is oniy Q small part of the fire prevention setup here in Wa terbury.
 CareIesnnsss Chief Cause
 Few people realize, Marshal Legge asserts, that most fires are caused, not by deliberate acts, preventable accidents or by unforeseen events, but rather by careless1esk Because of the caFeleasness of 90 many peo- pie, the Fire MarshAls Ofxice B vested with power to investigate, arrest, lay down rules and regula- tons as weli as suggest improve ments and precautions where fires are concerned.
 Backed by state statutes and City Ordinances, the Marshal's Of. flee conducts periodic cheeks of all public buildings and institutions in the city. Checks concerning clear age in front of fire escapes, doors, stairways are taken.
 The Marshal's ,office advises all owners Of public buildings to see that doors swing outward, an im- portant matter when c crowd b trapped in . burning building. This matter of doors swinging outward is one of the many rules" of the Marshais once that must be com piled with in order that . proprietor receives the Marshal's ok on his liquor license permit or renewal.
 Section 401g of the General Statutes of the State of Connecti- cut fire marshals, says that when the local fire marshal ascertains that there exists in any building or premises combustible or explosive matter, or any dangerous accumu. lation of rubbish likely to aid in the starting of a fire, he shall order such fire hazards to be removed.
 The statute also given the mar. shal the right to demand that other fire conditions be altered imme- diately. Such harzards as the ob- strtictionS to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways doors or win dows likely to interfere with the egress of occupants in case Of . fire.
 Special Holiday Caution
 Now that the Christmas shopping season is in full swing. Marshal Legge recommends that store own- CTS and shoppers alike take special precautions in regards to fires. Still under investigation. said Marshal Legge. is the recent hotel disaster in Atlanta, Ga. It is quite possible. he asserted. that this fire was caused by Q carelessly tossed cigar cite.
 The carelessly tossed cigarette has become one of the most potent factors in the causing of fires, the Marshal declared. Store owners should be especially careful that shoppers do not smoke on the prem ises, even moFeso now during the holiday season, Marshal Legge said. Both the owner and the smoker may be victims of heavy fines or Imprisonment in the event that carelessness by either party Is re- sponsibIe for e fire.
 Section 4e3g reads: "Any person who. by himself or his servant or his agent. maintains on any prem ises under his control, combustible or explosive matter. or dangerous accumulation of rubbish or any in- fiammable material SO situated as fn andafger life 0F OrOUeFtV or who