All Homes Might Soon Need Fire Sprinkler System

International Fire Code Council Adopts Code

Updated: 1:10 pm CDT September 24, 2008

It might soon be mandatory for single-family homes to have a sprinkler-system to help put out fires.

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A code, adopted at a meeting of the International Fire Code Council in Minneapolis, states that fire sprinklers would be mandatory in all one- and two-family homes.

Many states look to decisions of the Fire Code Council, when creating their building codes.

Madison's Fire Marshal Ed Rukriegel said sprinklers could have saved lives in recent residential fires across the city.

Ruckriegel said leaving the decision up to homeowners whether to install sprinklers isn't enough prevention.

"People do not see fire as a risk in their home," said Ruckriegel. "So regardless of what the fire service does in educating people and trying to change behaviors, there's still 3,500 fire deaths per year so its obvious that people don't see the risk, don't believe the risk."

The recommendations would need to be adopted through the state Legislature as part of the state's uniform dwelling code in order to apply.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.

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