Despite the tragic fire at the Flower Branch Apartments in Silver Spring five years ago, many high-rise buildings across Maryland still do not have sprinkler systems installed. The fire, which claimed seven lives, brought attention to the dangers of not having sprinklers in place.
According to Maryland law, buildings constructed before 1990 are not required to have sprinkler systems unless they undergo major renovations. This loophole allows older buildings to avoid the costly installation of sprinklers, putting residents at risk.
While some high-rise buildings have voluntarily installed sprinkler systems, many have not due to the expense and logistical challenges involved. The cost of retrofitting a building with sprinklers can be significant, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the size and complexity of the building.
In addition to cost, building owners also cite difficulties in obtaining permits and navigating the bureaucracy involved in retrofitting sprinkler systems. Some owners argue that other safety measures, such as smoke alarms and fire doors, are sufficient to protect residents in the event of a fire.
However, fire safety experts argue that sprinklers are essential in preventing fires from spreading and saving lives. The National Fire Protection Association reports that buildings with sprinklers have a 95% lower rate of death in fires compared to buildings without them.
In the wake of the Flower Branch Apartments fire and other high-rise fires, there is growing pressure for legislation to require all high-rise buildings in Maryland to have sprinkler systems installed. Advocates argue that the safety of residents should be the top priority, and that the cost of retrofitting sprinklers is a worthwhile investment in protecting lives.
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