The Engine House Theater, a Madrid institution for more than a quarter century, has been closed for fire-code violations. But owner Lori Lindsey said she hasn't gotten the details yet on what she needs to do to reopen the space.

Lindsey said county fire marshals first contacted her about possible fire code issues last June. She said she spent about $1,000 on upgrades then, purchasing new exit signs, fire extinguishers and carbon-monoxide detectors.

Then, in December, just before a solstice-themed cabaret was scheduled — and just after the theater manager was interviewed about the show in a local paper — the fire marshals showed up again and reduced her capacity from
150 people to 95 people, Lindsey said.

In February, Lindsey said, she received a letter from County Fire Marshal David Sperling, notifying her that renovations and improvements would be required to render the theater safe. Until those improvements were made, the letter said, "the theater can not be used for public or private gatherings."

In the letter, Sperling said he and Deputy Fire Marshal Buster Patty would work with Lindsey to guide her in preparing the space for use.

Now, almost a month later, Lindsey said, she still doesn't know what she has to do to bring the 3,000-square-foot building up to code.

Lindsey said she is anxious to find out what needs to be done, because she'll likely need to do some fundraising to pay for the improvements. The theater is often used to hold fundraisers for nonprofits and needy Madrid residents, Lindsey said. "It's a very loved theater."

But another thing that is bothering Lindsey are her suspicions about why the inspectors showed up at the theater in the first place, since it had been in continuous operation for decades without being inspected.

"The only time the fire department has ever been called to the theater is when I had two openly gay events in June and December," Lindsey said. "It was an anonymous call. I probably know who it is, but I'm not sure. They are just trying to be punitive and divisive. It's not really about safety."

According to an inspection report provided by Santa Fe County, the Engine House Theater was found deficient in all 17 categories on a checklist of possible code violations during a Feb. 5 inspection.

Violations noted on the report include: flammable decorative materials, storage of combustible materials and inadequate exit signs and doors.

County spokesman StephenUlibarri said in an e-mail that Lindsey "verbally agreed to cease use of the facility until she and the County Fire Marshal could meet to discuss how to proceed with addressing the numerous violations and how to bring the facility into compliance."

Patty has been out of town, but will contact Lindsey today, to discuss the matter, according to Ulibarri.

Lindsey said she's curious if the same standards are applied to everyone who occupies a historic building in Madrid, or if she's just being "picked on."

Contact Phaedra Haywood at 986-3068 or phaywood@sfnewmexican.com.