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Proposal Goes Before Common Council Tonight

A proposed City ordinance to be introduced at the August 6, 2019, Common Council meeting would allow more flexibility for owners of single- and two-family homes which use the basement as a sleeping area. Existing policies require homeowners to have at least two exits from the basement.

Under the proposed ordinance, homes protected by automatic fire sprinklers will not need to have a second exit from the basement. The ability to install home fire sprinklers allows an alternative option for properties that cannot conveniently accommodate a second exit from the basement. 

Modern construction materials, interior furnishings, and building design methods allow fire to burn hotter and faster than ever before. Because of this, people are more likely to die in a house fire today than they were 30 years ago. Home fire sprinklers are proven to save lives, property, and the environment. Installing automatic sprinklers is one of the most effective ways to protect your household and prevent home fire deaths.

Tonight, the Madison Fire Department hosts a demonstration for the City of Madison Common Council highlighting the importance and effectiveness of home fire sprinklers. City officials will see have an up-close look at how quickly home contents burn during a fire, and how automatic sprinklers effectively keep the environment safe until occupants can escape.

To help raise public awareness, all Madison Fire Department rigs now display stickers promoting the use of home fire sprinklers. The public is welcome to attend the fire sprinkler demo taking place at 6:00 p.m. outside the City-County Building (210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.) and to see the new sticker adorning Engine 1.

Contacts


Agency: 
Fire