KNOXVILLE – Two University of Tennessee fraternity houses have been cited by the state fire marshal with code violations.

Representatives of the state Fire Marshal’s Office conducted inspections at the Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity houses – both of which have been cited for violations in the past – after the city of Knoxville Fire Department responded to fire alarms at both houses and noticed exposed electrical wiring, trash blocking exits and portions of ceiling missing “due to vandalism by occupants,” general inspection reports state.

State Fire Marshal Deputy Travis Solomon and Director Joel Damons conducted inspections May 5. During the inspection of the Sigma Phi Epsilon house, 1832 Fraternity Park Drive, officials found the following violations: an emergency light was vandalized and did not operate; an extension cored plugged into an outlet ran outside into a puddle of water under a wet cardboard box; and exits were blocked with broken glass, “numerous amounts” of trash and “slippery substances.”

In order for residents to continue to occupy the house, they must clear exits, fix emergency lighting and schedule a state electrical inspection.

UT Spokeswoman Rebekah Winkler said Sigma Phi Epsilon is scheduled to have a state electrical inspection this afternoon. After the inspection, the fraternity must have the state Fire Marshal inspect the property, she said. Winkler said the house is scheduled to close in June for renovations, but fraternity members will continue to occupy the house until then.

During the inspection of the Pi Kappa Phi house, 1828 Fraternity Park Drive, inspectors found ceiling damage due to vandalism, exposed electrical wiring and damaged lighting fixtures. They also found excessive trash, broken glass and “slippery substances” on the floor near exits.

The fraternity was told to clear exits and have a state electrical inspection in order to occupy the house, but Winkler said the house was vacated and closed last weekend for scheduled renovations, which could take until at least January to complete. The corrections will be made during renovations, she said.

For more – http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/may/11/ut-frats-cited-again-safety-violations/