By Bob Katzen

This bill would allow cities and towns to require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in any building with more than four units, which “undergoes a major alteration or modification and is occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes” including lodging houses, boarding houses, fraternity houses, dormitories, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, hotels, motels and group residences.

This requirement would replace a current law that allows cities and towns to require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in any building with more than four units, which is “substantially rehabilitated so as to constitute the equivalent of new construction.”

Both the current law and the bill allow cities and towns to require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in newly constructed buildings.

Supporters of the bill said that the “major alteration” standard is more inclusive and will apply to more buildings than the “substantially rehabilitated so as to constitute the equivalent of new construction” standard. They argued that changing the standard will save more lives.

They noted that automatic sprinklers work fast and give people more time to escape. They said that according to the Massachusetts Fire Sprinkler Coalition, having both sprinklers and smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by 80 percent. They also pointed out that automatic sprinklers put out 90 percent of home fires before the fire department arrives, which reduces firefighters’ exposure to the toxic products of combustion that cause cancer.

Once again, Rep. Dan Hunt (D-Boston), the sponsor of the proposal, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his bill and its approval.