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This article from NBC Chicago highlights the growing support from Illinois fire chiefs for a new residential sprinkler initiative proposed by State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. The proposal, which has been submitted to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in Springfield, includes a requirement for fire sprinklers in all new single-family homes across the state.
Fire Chief Michael Falese of Bartlett and President of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association called the initiative a "big step toward a safer state." He emphasized that the goal is to protect lives, noting that the push for sprinklers is not new—similar resistance was once seen with smoke detectors 30 years ago.
Currently, 91 jurisdictions in Illinois already require sprinklers in new homes, making it one of the highest concentrations in the country. If approved, Illinois would join California and Maryland as the third state to mandate residential sprinklers. In some communities, like Long Grove, which pioneered the requirement in 1988, residents have embraced sprinklers as a standard feature.
Fire Marshal Mike McNally of Countryside Fire Prevention District shared his positive experience with the system, pointing out that over 1,600 homes in his district are now protected. He explained how quickly fires can escalate, with temperatures in a typical room reaching 1,600 degrees in just two to three minutes—a scenario that can be life-threatening without sprinklers.
Meanwhile, the new code has sparked tension between Matkaitis and the City of Chicago, which claims home rule authority to ignore state fire codes. This conflict centers around the requirement for sprinklers in older high-rises, which building owners argue would be too costly. However, Matkaitis insists that the law applies statewide and that safety should be the top priority.
The debate also echoes past tragedies, such as the 2003 Cook County Administration Building fire, where the lack of sprinklers was cited as a major factor in the deaths of six people. Former FEMA director James Lee Witt emphasized that action must be taken before it's too late.
At the same time, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) continues to advocate for sprinklers, calling them essential for saving lives. NFPA President James Shannon urged Chicago to lead the way, noting that the city’s iconic buildings should be protected—not just structurally, but for the people who live in them.
Despite the controversy, the push for safer housing through mandatory sprinklers shows no signs of slowing down. As more communities adopt the measure, the conversation about fire safety remains a critical one for public officials, homeowners, and emergency responders alike.