State fire marshal agrees to collaborate on any sprinkler mandate

31-May-14 – Condominium unit owners can be a little less worried about having to install expensive fire sprinklers.

The state fire marshal says he will work with “local government officials, public safety officials, and all stakeholders” on any new sprinkler laws.

Concern that the fire marshal on his own would require sprinklers in high-rise buildings resulted in a bill in the Illinois House of Representatives to put lawmakers solely in charge of any high-rise sprinkler mandate. That legislation has been postponed for now.

“My fundamental job as state fire marshal is to protect the common interest of the people of Illinois by ensuring that commercial and residential properties, no matter their age, are safe from the danger of fires,” said Larry Matkaitis (left) in a statement on Friday.

“This can best be achieved by working with all parties to consider the correct avenue to achieving maximum fire safety.”

State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, who introduced HB 4609 on February 4, called the agreement “months in the making.”

“Thousands of people have sent clear messages to the fire marshal over the past few months that a unilateral, statewide sprinkler mandate is bad public policy,” said Feigenholtz, who represents Lincoln Park and other lakefront neighborhoods north of the Loop.

“We now have assurance that any future fire sprinkler proposals will be considered with full transparency and open discussion.” (Right) Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

42nd Alderman Brendan Reilly supported the bill and 8,000 people had signed a petition in favor of it – 2,000 in just the past week.

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