City Council Pushes for Fire Code Change
posted 9:11 pm Tue December 18, 2007 - Charleston, SC
This time, they’re aiming at the state level.
The council has approved a resolution to strengthen building and fire codes.City Council is asking for help from the South Carolina Legislature to require buildings to have sprinkler systems.
In the wake of tragedy there is progress.
Back in June, buildings were not required to have sprinkler systems installed.
Mayor Riley admits sprinklers would have better controlled the fire and possibly saved lives.
“We could not have required the Sofa Super Store of have a sprinkler system for example or say the fire didn't happen, we couldn't require them to put sprinklers in,” Mayor Riley says.
Retrofitting means putting sprinklers into older buildings now.
The Mayor wants building officials to complete a study to see what changes are reasonable.
Right now
Mayor Riley and Council say its time for a change.
“We're asking the government of
Retrofitting would cost tax payers nothing because building owners would pick up the tab.
Installing new constructions with sprinklers could run between $1.50 to $2.50 a square foot.
Mayor Riley also says retrofitting a warehouse like the Sofa Super Store would not be expensive.
He says putting sprinklers in would lower fire insurance costs as well.
City Council also approved the purchase of two new fire trucks and new Scott air packs.
Scott air packs are what fire fighters use to breathe.
The new air packs hold forty-five minutes of air as opposed to the current 30 minutes.
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