There were no fire detection or sprinkler systems at Bohemia Bay. The marina structure was completed in October 1986. It was built under a Maryland code that did not require fire detection, fire sprinkler, or stand-pipe systems. In addition, there was no requirement for providing readily accessible areas for fire department drafting operations.
Portable fire extinguishers located on finger piers were the main fire protection equipment provided in the entire marina. As a result of persuasion by the local fire department, a two inch dry standpipe line running the length of docks 'D' and 'E' had been installed. (The adequacy of such standpipe lines should be questioned because of their small size and the location of hose outlets.) There was no standpipe on the pier with the fire.
A new Maryland code was adopted in 1987, which incorporated the 1987 edition of the B.O.C.A. code. The B.O.C.A. code adopts NFPA Standard #303, Protection to Marinas, and will require all future structures of this type and use to be equipped with fire protection, fire suppression, and standpipe systems. They must also provide reliable and accessible sources of water for fire fighting.
There are no provisions in the current code to retrofit existing similar structures unless they are significantly altered in some manner (such as will be the case for the reconstruction of the portion of the building on 'F' dock that had to be removed as a result of the fire).
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