Gary schools face serious fire code violations

GARY, Ind. (AP) - School officials in Gary are working to address serious fire code violations found at nearly all of the district's schools.

Gary's chief fire inspector, John A. Leslie Jr., says he's disturbed that outstanding violations found earlier this year at the Gary Community School Corp. still haven't been corrected. Those violations include some schools that lack functioning sprinkler and fire alarm systems.

Only one school of out of 16 inspected was not cited for fire violations.

District Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt tells the Post-Tribune the violations are "becoming a major issue" for the district.

It was not immediately clear what penalties the district could face if it fails to come into compliance with Indiana's fire code. Messages seeking comment were left with the district and the state fire marshal's office.