Mississippi City Gets Tough Over Fire Code Violation

A Gulfport, Mississippi business has been hit with what may be the largest fine in the city’s history.

Kevin Lock says he’s struggling to get by after a city judge ordered him to pay $125,000 for failing to comply with the city’s fire code.

The fire sprinkler system in Lock’s business, General Lumber & Millworks, was inoperable.

Prosecuting attorney James Halliday said the fire department tried to work with Lock, giving him months to correct the problem. When he had made no progress Lock was prosecuted.

Judge Alvin Chase fined Lock $1,000 a day for each day the business operated without a sprinkler system from April through the September court date.

If Lock fixes the sprinkler system the money he spent will come off the fine.