By State Rep. Lida Harkins – Dover-Sherborn Press

As many residents likely remember, in February 2000, five innocent lives were taken after a nondescript office building on Route 9 in Newton burst into flames. Despite a rapid response from local fire departments, innocent lives could not be spared due to the complexity and rapid growth of the blaze.

In the aftermath, it became evident that an array of pre-existing dangerous conditions prevented these innocent workers from escaping. For those wishing to refamiliarize with or to learn more about this event, New England Cable News is currently airing a 30-minute program entitled “The Forgotten Fire.” This program offers a sobering perspective as to how this disaster could have been prevented, and I would urge all my constituents to tune in. It is available both on cable TV and on NECN’s Web site.

Each year since this disaster, state Rep. Ruth Balser and I have filed House Bill 2284, which aims to close a building code loophole that would have significantly decelerated the spread of the Newton fire. Specifically, our bill aims to change the local option concerning the installation of automatic sprinklers in commercial buildings and makes it a statewide requirement. It also requires any building more than 7,500 square feet, or major addition to a building that results in the structure totaling more than 7,500 square feet, to have an automatic sprinkler system. Currently, there is no mechanism to ensure that buildings that undergo additions satisfy the 7,500-square-foot requirement.

The Massachusetts Firefighters Association and similar organizations have registered their full support for our legislation, as they understand firsthand their effectiveness. The public safety community at large has also declared that such systems are the most efficient tool to control the spread of a fire.

The Newton fire was not an isolated incident. Over the past year, preventable fires have caused irreparable damage across the commonwealth. In late May, 750 residents in the 18 buildings of a Peabody apartment complex were temporarily displaced by a fire. Structural damage from the fire was estimated to be in the millions. While the complex’s system did meet state code, the usage of a partial sprinkler system (nonexistent in the attic level) contributed to the loss of a building. However, this fire brought to light another problem associated with current fire code: by law, developers do not have to include a sprinkler system in the attic of new construction. Our legislation would close this loophole as well.

The commonwealth’s firefighters jeopardize their lives every day for our safety. Unfortunately, the costs associated with the implementation of automatic sprinklers have hindered the passage of our bill since it was first introduced in 2001. It is my hope that my colleagues in the Senate and Governor Patrick will embrace this legislation this session, so that these important changes can occur as soon as possible. I am thankful for the support of my colleagues, the community and various fire associations for their continued and unwavering support.

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