Industry Group Voices Concern that Short Cuts Endanger Public Safety SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a poor economy and dwindling public resources, it is more important than ever for local governments across the state to remain vigilant in upholding fire safety laws, the Sprinkler Fitters Association of California (SFAC) announced today. The industry group voiced its concerns in response to worsening budgets and a recent Long Beach City Council ordinance that exempts older residential high rises and large apartment complexes from a mandate to install fire sprinkler systems. Instead, Long Beach adopted an alternative plan requiring an evacuation and fire safety plan, additional smoke alarms and emergency lighting. While important, those measures don’t address the fundamental problem of putting out fires, said Randy Roxson, SFAC's executive director. "Taking short cuts around sprinkler systems is irresponsible in this day and age – after firefighters themselves, sprinklers are the next best way to combat fires and save lives," Roxson said. "Dismissing fire sprinkler systems is like ignoring an obvious safety measure like wearing seatbelts while driving."
