Yuma News Now

Yuma, Arizona - This year on New Year’s Eve, the Yuma Fire Department, in cooperation with the Yuma Police Department, will conduct a series of spot checks on drinking establishments located in the City of Yuma. These checks will include determining if the number of patrons is within the allowed occupancy limits, and that fire and life safety codes are being followed.

During 2008 complaints were received and violations noted at some Yuma bars. These violations included finding crowds in excess of posted limits, locked exit doors, and improper equipment on exit doors. Yuma Fire Department personnel have worked with establishments to gain voluntary compliance with code and provide a safer environment for their patrons.

New Years Eve is often a time when larger crowds may be expected. Spot checks will also ensure that proper procedures are being followed to track the number of patrons. In the United States, fires in establishments that have ignored occupancy limits have resulted in several large losses of life. Enforcing fire and life safety codes will help to avoid similar tragedies.