Fire Marshal Places ‘Stop Work’ Order On Bourbon Factory Over Broken Sprinkler System

Bourbon Fire Marshal Corey Rice told the Independent News on Thursday that he placed a “stop work” order on the former Proctor building.

The order is part of the new building and occupancy permits passed by the Bourbon Fire Protection District’s board of directors earlier this year.

The building was purchased by Sky Huddleston of Liberator Rocket Heaters. Huddleston told Bourbon city council members earlier this year that he intends to build pellet stoves there.

The building has not been in use for more than 10 years and is located at 139 Old Highway 66, next to Peoples Bank.

Rice told the Independent News that he went to the building Thursday to advise him he was working without a permit.

Huddleston reportedly told Rice he would not comply and that he was not welcome on his property.

Rice said he told Huddleston the fire district would move forward with legal action. It includes contacting the company’s insurance and the bank that has a lien on the property.

According to Rice, the building is unsafe to operate in.

“The building was required to have a sprinkler system under the old operation and is still required,” Rice said. “Welding, cutting, painting and other chemicals would be in this facility.”

Rice said the fire district is concerned for the safety of employees or even nearby buildings if there was a fire.

After meeting with Huddleston, Rice said he contacted Mayor Dave Lafferty. Lafferty met with Huddleston, who still refused to comply.

“I called the police to stand by while I placed the stop work order on the building,” Rice said.

Police Chief Scott Zwetow reportedly told Rice they were told not to get involved and officers would not respond.

According to an email provided to the Independent News by Rice, Huddleston is aware of the fire suppression system being broken.

Huddleston contacted the Bourbon Fire District in April and notified them of the issue. He said if he were to purchase the building, he would have three months to begin “producing product.” 

Huddleston said he would have to commence production by early August.

“If it is necessary (hopefully its not) then I’m going to need something in writing stating that the sprinkler system repair is necessary for our occupancy,” Huddleston wrote.

Rice contacted Huddleston a few days later to inform him that a sprinkler system was necessary. 

The building, which is approximately 27,000 square feet, meets the requirements for a group F-1 (factory) occupancy.

Rice told Huddleston he could not grant a variance, but that he could meet with the board of directors.

The cost of a permit would be $2,310.