A local resident asked City council to research fire retardant initiatives for all new homes in Airdrie, May 16.
The devastating fires in Slave Lake and a recent multi-home fire in Calgary concerned Ken Thompson and he brought the issue to council’s public question period.
“I would like to see City council bring in stronger building codes,” he said.
“These houses are being built so quickly and they are coming down just as fast.”
Thompson suggested making it mandatory for builders to include sprinklers in new houses, to change to more fire retardant building materials and to increase the space between houses in new communities.
“I feel City council needs to lead rather than follow and I would rather see a house full of water than a death by fire,” he said.
“The distance between houses in older districts is much more than we see now.”
Mark Locking, director of engineering and public works, said building codes are provincially legislated, but he has heard demand for sprinklers and increased set backs.
“I accept what you are saying,” said Thompson. “But I would like to see City council take this higher up the ladder.”
Alderman Murray Buchanan said something should be done.
“I think it’s time we did look at sprinklers again,” he said. “The recent fires in Citadel and other fires in Airdrie remind us of how quickly one house fire becomes many.”
Alderman Allan Hunter agreed.
“It’s time we look into what we can do as a municipality,” he said.
“$10,000 for a sprinkler system in a home is a small price to pay to save lives and houses.”
Council approved a motion asking City staff to look into fire retardant building options.
