The municipalities of Elgin, Zion, & Winnetka updated their municipal codes to the 2021 editions of the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Fire Code (IFC). Each of their IRC adoptions include requirements for new one- and two-family homes to be protected with fire sprinklers.
Elgin Fire Department
Elgin Fire Marshal John Gish said the code process went smooth. “Fire sprinklers can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in a house fire by controlling and possibly extinguishing the flames before they spread, thus allowing residents time to escape,” Gish said. “Knowing that your home is equipped with a fire sprinklers can provide peace of mind, knowing that an additional layer of safety is in place to protect your family and property.”
According to Winnetka Fire Chief John Ripka, the Winnetka village council supported the proposed changes and was inquisitive about the process and associated costs to ensure they could make informed decisions. Ripka explained that the home fire sprinkler requirement would greatly improve fire safety for residents. He provided localized information and resources from the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB).
Winnetka Fire Department
“I crafted an issue memorandum to share with the village council during the code update process,” Ripka said. “The memo covered the history of residential sprinklers in Winnetka, sprinkler facts, area trends, positive/negative implications, and the staff recommendation.”
“The community benefits because residential fire sprinklers are designed to save lives by controlling fires quickly and allowing occupants time to escape, while also reducing property damage by about 70 percent,” Ripka said. “Sprinklers will also reduce the risk to firefighters that have to enter burning structures.”
Zion Fire Chief Justin Stried said the members of Zion City Council believed their code update was in the best interest of the community. “After multiple discussions with our building department director, city administrator, and city council, it was agreed that amending or removing little from the codes was best for the safety of our residents and businesses,” Stried said. “It was understood that adding home fire sprinklers to new homes incurred minimal cost, but the safety and security benefits far outweigh the expense.”
Zion Fire & Rescue Department
Stried highlighted the valuable assistance from Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, providing him and the council with data and key talking points about how home fire sprinklers save property and lives. Overall, Stried sees this successful effort as a net positive for the community of Zion.
Congratulations to fire, building, and elected officials in Elgin, Winnetka and Zion for recognizing the growing dangers of today’s home fires and choosing to proactively protect their residents and firefighters through these code updates!
###