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This article from NBC Chicago highlights the growing support among Illinois fire chiefs for a new residential sprinkler initiative proposed by State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. The proposal, which aims to enhance public safety, has been met with enthusiasm, with many officials calling it a crucial step forward in protecting lives and property.
The initiative, submitted to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in Springfield, includes a key provision: requiring fire sprinklers in all new single-family homes across the state. This move is expected to bring Illinois into the ranks of only a few states—California and Maryland—already mandating residential sprinklers.
Michael Falese, chief of the Bartlett Fire Department and president of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, emphasized that the time is right for such a change. “The sprinkler initiative in homes is aimed at the preservation of life,†he said. His comments reflect a broader consensus within the fire service, which has seen similar resistance before, like when smoke detectors were first introduced decades ago.
In communities where sprinklers are already required, such as Long Grove in Illinois, the results have been positive. Mike McNally, fire marshal with the Countryside Fire Prevention District, noted that residents have long accepted sprinklers as a standard feature. “Our experience has been very good,†he said, adding that over 1,600 homes in his district are protected by sprinkler systems.
Fire experts warn that without sprinklers, fires can escalate rapidly. In just two to three minutes, a typical room can reach temperatures of 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely dangerous for occupants.
Meanwhile, the State Fire Marshal’s push for updated fire codes has created tension with the City of Chicago. While Matkaitis argues that every resident deserves safe housing, Chicago maintains that it is not bound by the state code due to home rule authority. The city currently requires sprinklers only in new high-rises, leaving older buildings exempt—a policy critics say leaves many vulnerable.
The debate over sprinklers has deep roots. A 2003 fire at the Cook County Administration Building, which claimed six lives, highlighted the risks of outdated fire safety standards. An investigation led by former FEMA director James Lee Witt found that the lack of sprinklers contributed significantly to the tragedy.
Despite these concerns, Chicago continues to resist state mandates, citing high retrofit costs and the belief that its own fire code is sufficient. However, Matkaitis insists that the state law applies statewide, including in Chicago, and that ignoring it puts lives at risk.
At the same time, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) remains a strong advocate for sprinklers. Its president, James Shannon, called the absence of sprinklers in certain buildings “needless†and urged Chicago to take a leadership role in fire safety.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the push for residential sprinklers is not just about compliance—it's about saving lives. With more communities adopting the measure and fire officials pushing for change, the conversation around fire safety is evolving. And as one fire chief put it, “If we don’t start today, then it will never get done.â€