help with the Sims 2...fire code

Okay, so I'm playing the Sims 2 on Gamecube. I am at Cliffside
Retreat, and I need to have another Sim buy 3 chairs. When she does
this, *I* can advance (don't ask me why).

Here's the problem: my Fire Code bar is maxed out, and it won't let
me, or anyone else, buy anything at all. So, I tried deleting a bunch
of objects. The Fire Code bar still won't move at all. So I'm
basically stuck at this house unless I can figure out a way to buy 3
chairs.

Bleh. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

-busterfinch-