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Debates about sprinkler systems restarted after destructive apartment fire in Squirrel Hill

The city's fire code says they're not required in buildings constructed before 1990.

A sprinkler head used in building sprinkler systems
A sprinkler head used in building sprinkler systems
Getty Images

This week's destructive fire at the Jefferson Apartments in Squirrel Hill has re-started debate about sprinkler systems.

The city's fire code says they're not required in buildings constructed before 1990.


City Council member Barb Warwick talked about that with KDKA-TV.

"It's a tricky issue, right? It's something you have to grapple with. You can't just, you know, raise every single building in the city and rebuild," she said.

In 2018, a bill was introduced requiring sprinkler systems in all buildings 75 feet or taller, but it failed to pass.

Council member Theresa Kail-Smith thinks the measure is worth revisiting, but should include private funds and grants to alleviate costs.

The city's fire code says they're not required in buildings constructed before 1990.