95-493ORIGfNAL
CITY OF
Ptesenced
Referred
W ��.��,�'.�� �;,�
Council File # g S- y q 3
Green 5heet # ��
Committee Date
2
WHEREAS, there were 68,840 high rise fires from 1987 to 1991 in the United States; and
3 WHEREAS, between 1987 and 1991 high rise fires caused $396.4 miliion of direct property loss in the
4 United States; and
5 WHEREAS, in the United States high rise fires resulted in 74 people killed and 740 people injured each year;
6 and
WHEREAS, tl:e City of Saint Paul has 91 buildings which meet the high rise standard of 75 feet plus, of
which 44 are already equipged with fire sprinklers; and
9 WHEREAS, the Saint Psul Public F3ousing Agency plans on retrofitting all 16 of their public housing high
10 rises; and
11
12 WHEREAS, reliance on compartmentalization where there is reliance on "fire resistive" construction has
13 resulted in significant failures when high rise fires have occurred; and
14 WHEREAS, installation offire sprinkler systems haue been proven nationwide to be an effective life safety
15 and property safety metnod by dousing the flame so smoke inhalation is minimized; and
ORIGINAL
RESOLUTION
PAUL, MINNESOTA
16 WHEREAS, the 3;unt Paul City Council believes that both residential and commercial high rise buildings
17 should both be included in the 15 year retrofit biii;
ORIGII�AL ��s- y�3
1 NOW THEREFOR� BE TT RESOLVED, the Saim Paul City Council and Mayor Coleman of Saint Paul
2 supports the life and safety sprinkler retrofit bill in its original form in House File #1064 carried by Representataive
3 7ohnson and Senate File #529 carried by Senator Carl Kroening; and
4 FINALLY BE TT RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul believes fire safety in high rise buildings is a
5 number one priority for the �ity of Saint Paul, and believes these bills are in the best interest of Saint Paui and are
6 needed to be passed a;zd signed by Govemar Cazlson.
7
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
I. �
/ i
�..• . ,� � � � i \
�- ���/::, - �
Adopted by Council: Date � � �
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
� s -`���
N_ 29187
s-j s' GREEN SHEE
JN 8 P O INI?IAUOATE INRIAV�ATE
ODEPAflTMENTDIflECTOfl �G�NCAUNCIL
` � n � ASSIGN OCINATfORNEY �G�NCLERK
NUNBEPFOp
1UNpL AGENDA BY (DASE) p01JfING � BUDGET DfAECTOR O FIN. & MGT. $ERVICES DIF.
� 1 D`� �" OflDER � MAYOR (OR ASSISTAN� �
J
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
C.�,��laf�v� S ��t � s�r.Nk�v 'v�f��f b�//S � �'�� �S,s
FiECAMMENDATIONS: Appmve (A) or fleject (R)
_ PLANNING COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE
_ CIB COMMITTEE _
_ STAFF _
_ DISTRICTCOURT _
SUPPORT$ WHICH COUNqL OBJECTNE�
PERSONAL SERVICE COWRACTS MUST AHSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
7. Has this personttirm eve� worked untler a confiact for this department?
YES N6'
2. Has this person/firm ev 6een a city emplqree?
YES �
3. Does this personttirm sess a skill not normally possessed by any current ciry employee?
YES �
Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet
i� 6tll �a.s (�_.,_. �,�f����� s,� � �� �olS'�,�..�,r� ��--
`��n.e tvt rv I�5,3 ��.'�Z.s� . �'�'ec ���..:.� `�� �3 a (r�c lt � � G `�
aG�c-e /7�E�vrv1RJL6'��O "�ti�1 I ✓7�l kY+�,'t,� l'vw�":�"` Cl0 �(I�T /�lQ.t9Q ��LC.
�( V {( q/ � q � � /
� �. A � �. . /'/ n e e_1 � �� � �// • . //// � � _ _ � �'�_._ \ �6f . � � \.. / \
�� ��rc�� fc[r�1�S �
�sf �r�(.�e r~�vc���� � �� � �'�r� 1��1�
�,.�,� � ��-j,� �-���� - � � � �� ��
_�
TOTAL AMOUNT OF 7RANSAC710N $ EVENUE BUUGEiED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
FUN�IfdG SOURCE ACTIVITY NUM9ER
FINANCIAI INFORMATION (EXPLAIN)
�.�,,,,
°�� ��.�.
JERRY BLAKEY
Counci7member
COMMITTEE REPORT
Meeting Date: May 10, 1995
i
c(S _y°�3
Members:
Jerry Blakey, Chair
Marie Gnmm
Roberta Megard
Dave Thune
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Approval of April 19, 1995; and May 3, 1995,
IGR Committee Minutes
Committee recommended APPROVAL of the Minutes
2. Mayor's Staff Update
Committee Update and Discussion
3. Resolution regarding High Rise Sprinkling Systems,
with Discussion
Committee recommended APPROVAL of the Resolution, with AMENDMENTS
(3 - 1 approval [Blakey, Grimm, Rettman - yes / Megard - no])
CT'i`Y OF SAINT PAUL
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCII,
CITY HALL TIiIRD FLOOR SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102 612/266-8610
S q6
Piinted on Rttycted Paper
'R�vrs�d R�SOLw? oN
�� 7H f}in En1a1 m E.n175 "
Presented by��
Refesed To
1
2 WHEREAS, there were 68,840 high rise fires from 1987 to 1991 in the United States; and
3 WHEItEAS, between 1987 and 1991 high rise fires caused $396.4 million of direct property loss in the
4 United SYates; and
5 WHEREAS, in the United States high rise Eres resulted in 74 people killed and 740 peopie injured each year;
6 _ and
7 WHEREAS, the CiTy of Saint Paul has 91 buildings which meet the high rise standard of 75 feet plus, of
8 which 44 are already equipped with fire sprinklers; and
9
10
11
12
13
�i�'HEREAS, the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency plans on retrofitting ail 16 of their public housing high
rises; and
WHEREA5, reliance on compartmentalization where there is reliance on "fire resistive" constnxcfion has
resulted in significant failures when high rise fues have occurred; and
14 WHEI2EAS, installation of fire sprinkler systems haue been proven nationwide to be an effective li£e safety
15 and property safety method by dousing the flame so smoke ii:nalation is minimized; and
16 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council believes that both residential and commercial high rise buildings
17 should both be included in the 15 year retrofit bill;
RESOLUTl�N
CiTY OF,SAINT PAllL_, iVI1NNESOTA
It/ �.�.. , a .. 1... r-;�"L.:nt V,—
Council File #
Green Sheet #
�I S _ `�`�
Committee Date
1
qs-�i�
1 NOW THEREFORE BE TT RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council and Mayor Coleman of Saint Paul
2 supports the life and safety sprinkier retrofit bill in its original form in House File #1064 carried by Representataive
3 Johnson and Senate File #529 carried by Senator Cari Kroening; and
4 FINALLY BE TT I2ESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul believes fire safety in high rise buildings is a
5 number one priority for the City of Saint Paul, and believes these bills aze in the best interest of Saint Paul and are
6 needed to be passed and signed by Govemor Carison.
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Appzoved by City Attomey
�
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council -
By: By: —
Approved by Mayor: Date
By:
Adop[ed by Council: Date
oR�9�a�� pRopos�(
R�So`k wj p
�fscuss�d �-r r�R cmY� S/,o
RESOLUTION
C1TY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNES07A
Presentetl by
Refesed To
Council File #
Green Sheet #
�5-�i I�
Committee Date
VF'HEREAS, there were 68,840 high rise fires from 1987 to 1991 in the United States; and
2 WHEREAS, between 1987 and 1991 high rise fires caused $396.4 million of direct property loss in the
3 United States; and
4 WHEREAS, in the United States high rise fires resulted in 74 peopie Idllecl and 740 people in}ured each year;
5 and
6 WHEItEAS, reliance on compartmentalization where there is reliance on "fire resistive" construction has
7 resulted in significant failures when high rise fires have occurred; and
g 'WHEREAS, installation offire sprinkler systems have been proven nationwide to be an effective life safety
9 and property safety method.
10 NOW THEREFORE BE 1T RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council and Mayor Coleman of Saint Paul
11 supports the life and safety sprinkler retrofit bi11 #1Q64 in the House, carried by Representative 3ohnson and Senate
12 bill #529, carried by Senator Carl Kroening; and
13 FINALLY BE TT RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul believes fire safety in high rise buildings is a
14 number one priority for the City of Saint Paul, and believes these bills are in the bes*_ interest of Saint Paul and are
1 S needed to be passed and signed by Govemor Carlson.
Reques[ed by Aepazhnent of.
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
B y' --
Approved by Mayor: Date
�
Fornt Approved by City Attorney
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
By:
Adopted by Councd: Date
�s-��
N_ 29187
____.._..,_..._____.._._ _..._.........__ � GREEN SHEET
' �_�� INITIAUDATE—
» GERSON 8 P O a DEPARTMENT DIPECTOR
1�/ �G-N 1(/N-QAL�e(� /f0. ASSIGN �CITYATTORNEY
.IU 'EE` ON CAUNCIL AGENDA BY (DATEJ MUMBER FOR ❑ BUDGEf DIRECTOR
POUTING
! O � r T^ ORUER O MAYOA (Ofl ASSiSTAN'n
7J
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES � (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
INITIAVDATE
� CRYGOUNpL
� CRY CLERK
n FIN. d MGT. SERVICES Dlq.
��,�la f��- s ��� �' �N..��le� 'v�efro�f b�/�s � �"�� �SIs 1��,Zs
PECAMMENDATIONS: App�ove �A) or Raject (F)
_ PL0.tJNING COMMISSION �_ CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIO
_ qe COMMiTTEE . —
_ STAFF _ _
� DISTRICTCOUflT . . � _ _
$UPPORTS YMICH GOUNCII OBJECTIVE4 .
PERSONAL SEflVICE CONTRACTS MUSTANSWER THE FOLLOWING UUESTIONS:
t. Has this personttirm ever worketl under a contract tor 4is tlepartment7 � -
YES N6� � - _ .
- Has this personKrm e been a ciry emplayee? - -�- - � � � �- � -`--
' ..:.. ...
_ . , .....,..� . _-..... � .,.
. .. .. - YES , � -
� 3. Does this perso�rm sess a skill not normally possessetl by any current city employeel -�' ��
- YES � . . � . . .- . - - -..
Expiefn all yea anawen on sepatate sheet antl attaeh to green aheet - _.. .. -
INIT1ATfNG PAOBLEM, ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WhD, Whel, NTan, NTeta, Why): ' � -''- -
lj�D 7�c. t N`�?�s. fi�&�a�- o�( + S@.�9a�T�� >
-. /� bi /� G�as _,�e�.�; i .���� . .._ , _ _ .. _
ca �T'"
�_ � W►N 1.�5�3Iw�--. ��e�Q �'��� ,� Q G�lf � ;: �� :
'�e`NL��=:.,o �u�i r'r� �ztic��.� G��`' �o'.ve� /�a.�se ,�'a`'„'kl�
�- � :
�
%'- %�- � ,__ , c;., T_��t� . - D� � / _ _ >> ��, c� ._. ,,�J ._ �:. � •.l_. _
-:°---
�� � �; rr����d��v�s ,
�
, v .
� _ �� -";_.< �
�S �v�-P �-e i� c�,�. �,-�� �� o�� � Gc.��l Y� 3e b�, l��
�_ q�.e ��c�a e- �-i�7�N�v � � � �O � �a� �'�$-�
�
TO7AL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION S S7�REVENUE BUDGETEU (CIRCLE ONE)
YES NO
FUNDI(�G SOURCE ACTIVITY NUMBER
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: (EXPLAIN)
- ' t�KaY ES '95 15�03
P.2�2
c.� S � �-1 �
� There were 68,840 high rise fues from 1987 to 1991 in the United
Statos.
• Between 1987 and 1991 high rise fires caused $396.4 million of direct
property loss in the United States.
• � In the United States high rise fires result in 74 people killed and 740
P�PIe injured each ytaz.
•+ Ittlia�ce on compartmenta�ization where there is reliance on "fize
ros.isdvc" construcaon has resulced in significanc faitures when high nise
ftres have occurred.
• tnstallation of fire sprinklzr systcros have been . grovcn narioflwide to bc
an cffeccive life safcty and property safety method.
• •05/85/199 14:27 6122286241
� h7RY � ' 95 15 � 05
,
FIRE PREVENTION
COtJEPARTIdENTA'FlOt+i 8� FtRE PROTECTI�N
Art�Hsis of Selected Fres
Htab-Ris� Bultdinsts
PRGE 03
P.2- 2
�5- `���
htavember 21, 1980 MGM GRAND HOTEL - t.3s VegAS. 26 story high-rise hot91
of fire-resistive and aon-cambustible construction. Fire started
in ist floor Casino and spread through seismic shatts, elevator
shafts, and stairways. 85 persons kitled, 679 persons injured;
most ot the fatalities (64 of 85) were on the 2Uth through 251h
floors.
November 25, 1982 DONALDSON'SlNORWEST BANK - Minneapat[s. Arson �ire
.ln building being demol'ished (Donatdson's) extended irrto
unoccupied bank buil�ng through windows. Nonvesi B�nk was
16 storiss in height and the flre destroyed the 6th through 16th
tioors. 24 fireflghters were injured; damage was estimated at
$95-100 million.
May 4, 1988 FlRS7 It�iTEAS1'A7E 9ANK - Los Angeles. 62 story otfice
� building of fire•resistive corssiruccion. Flra stacted on 12th floor
snd spread to bur ftoors (1215th sto�ies). Sig�iticant flcor to
tl0or fire spread was by internal and external Q_e. windowsj
means. 1 death, maJor rescue effort by 84 tire companies and
383 flrefighters using palice and fire h�ticopters. •�
Febnrary 23, 1991 ONE MEFii�?IAN PLAZA - Phitadeiphia. 38 story ofl{cs ixaifdfig
ot tire-resistive construclion. Fire start�d on 22nd lloar and
extsnded io 2Jth tloor_ Fo!{owing the death of three firefighters,
iha decisian �rds made to halt a!1 il�eflghting operations and
withdrawfrom the bvild;ng_ 10 sprinkie�s adivated on 30th floor
which stopped fire spread at that polrrt. 7he pdnclple means
of fire spread was vertically through breach in concrete wall
and into electrical wiring shaft.
February 15, 1992 L.A. COUt3TY HEALTH BtJlLDIN(3 - Los Angeles. 14 story
offlce building of tire-�esistive consuualon. Fire began on 7th
ftoor which was futly involved when firetfghters arrived. Fire
was extending outside the 7th floor and had broken windows
on the 8th tloor but an aggressive firefIghting attack involving
220 firefighters contained the }ire to these floors.
HtGN-F?ISE BUlLDING FlRES - page 5
9 S- yq3
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND SAFETY SfiRVICES
Timolhy K Fulle{ Fire Chief
DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION
Steven Zaccard, Fire Marshal
L ��' S��T'I' pA(JI, 100 East E(evemh Sneet Telephone: 612-228-6230
Norm Coleman, Mnyor Saint Pau[, MNSSZ01 Facsimile: 612-22$-6241
Fire Sprinklers for High-Rise Buildings
May 10, 1995
COSTS - What will be the eifiect on "affordable" housing?
� At 51,500 per apartment unit over the fifteen years attowed by the bill,
sprinklers wifl cost $8.33 per month, excfusive of financing costs.
• For the Pubfic Housing Agency, which provides affordabfe housing with sixteen
high-rise apartment buitdings, funding for fire sprinkters is provided by HUD.
Thera woutd be no increase in rents because capitat expenditures, like for
sprinklers, cannot come from rent payments. Saint Paul's PHA has already
retro-fitted one of its sixteen high-rise buildings with fire sprinklers and plans
to protect thsm alt. PHA's can be g+ven more than fifteen years by the State
Fire Marshal.
• Of the 91 high-rise buildings in Saint Paul, 40 are resident+a! of which 17 are
a(ready futly sprinklered, while 21 are partially sprinklered and 2 are not
sprinklered. No building witl be closed because of the cost of sprinklering.
� Any building owner can appeal to the State Fire Marshaf through an advisory
panel consisting of building owners, landlords, and real estate professionats as
well as fire and building officiais.
� (Please see an attachment for more detailed costs of actual fire sprinkler retro-
fits.)
HlGH-RISE FIRE EXPERIENCE
� This is a state-wide bill so the State Fire Marshai's office has compiled a history
of high-rise building fires in Minnesota, which is attached.
• Please also see attachments from the Pioneer-Press and the Minnesota Fire
Chief magazine about some of the high-rise fire sprinkier successes we've had
in Saint Paul.
(over)
07HER IIV�ORMATION
• Fiease also see the attached editorials from the Pioneer Press, the Rochester
Post-8utistin and the Dututh Tribune s�ipporting the fire sprinklering of high-rise
buitdings, especiaily residentiat buildings.
M A Y- 1 0- 9 S
P ;,; ..
- �;:.t;i.
� :.,,. .
�
�
, � :'
W E D 1 3= 1 S F A X A
Retro-fit Costs of High Rise Buildings
Some actual exampies
P _ 0 2
�t 5 - `'�q
,-�::�
In 1992, tl�e S� Paul Raddison had a spriuk!er system installed in ttieir hotei for
$1.i8 a sq�iare foot. The Raddison Hotel sgokesperson stated that they recavered
tiieir installation costs in five years, because of the reduction in flieir insurance
premiiuns. ��Jhile uot all cases are that dramatic, the savings aze real.
Tlie St. Paul Public Iiousing Ageucy recendy �etro-fitted one of dieir high rise
biuldings far an average of �1,400 per unit. This is less tha�i $1.Sd per square fooY.
Maulcato State University recently retro-fitted Gage Hail Donrutary with a sprink[er
systein, utilizing plastic pipe, for .84 cents a square faot.
Tlie First Narional Bauk, St. Paul, is currentiy retro-fitting tlieir buiid'uig for $.91
ce�ts a square foot.
The Duluth Raddison Hotel was recently refro-�tted for $1.05 per square foot,
'T'l�e LaSalle Piaza in Muineapolis, a 12 story aparrinent building was retrafittad for
$1.59 per squara foot uiolud'uig the instailatinn gf stuidpipes and a fire ptunp.
The MiimeapoIis Public Housing Authority has estimated it will cost eppro�mately
$1.GQ per square foot to retrofit tlieir many lugli rise structures.
�� rxiost cases buildings can be retro-fitted with sp:�inklzr systems for a cost ranging
froin $.90 cents a square foot to $2.54 a square foot or slightly lugtier deper�ding on
the decorative iiat�u�e of the final prodnct.
The oosts to retro-fit an e�usting building w7th sprixil;ler systeins vary depending on
tlie type a�id age of tiie build'uxg. I2ealisticaily, the one time typicai cost is $1.50
per square foot. Comparatively, maintanance a��d replacement items, iike carpet,
can exceed that amount.
�,
�,
::, ..
`�hese systeins pay for khzmseives over tune and cortinue to provide �rotection
years after payment for the systems has been made. At some point vvithin 1 Q to 20
years, the totai exgenses will be amortized and the econoixuc bene�fit of reduced
ins+u ance rafes aiid t�cs continucs for die lifa of tiie system.
6 1 2- 2 9 0- 1 7 5 5
;
„
, ;�ji;�i;il,
„
,
�
MAY- 1 0-9 S W E D 3 3 - 1 9 FAX SC 61 2-Z9o- 1�'09 P_ 0.3
�.
Acoorduig to t��e St. Paul Fire Marsl�all, all municipa6ties have the option of
�-' financing the cost to imstall sprinkler sysfems in privately owned high
• buildings. I�i fact, St. Paul has recenUy fuianced the installarion of a system at 2I 5
S. Wabasha Street. The cost of the system rras totaIly financed by the City and the
costs were assessed back onto fhe property as peruutted by state law. The pay back
period is 20 years. Tkris option exists for building owners who do not wa�lt to
secura a bank taan for tlus improvement.
't are insura�ice pramium discounts for building owners that install sprinkler
systems. 0� high rise buildings, insurance rates do go dawn,l0% or mare for
residential, and 25% or more for commerciat bwldings.
Spruikler systems are exempt from the state saies tax. Enacted in � 992
Assessars may not include tha added value of the sprinl:ler systems to the vatuation
of buildings uutil their are sold, a provisian in the tax bill ettacted last year proiubits
assessors from increasing the value of such property due to the instattation of a fire
sprinkler system. Enaeted iu 1993.
�, $uildixlg owners, coanraerciai and residential, may depreciate the cost of sprinklar
systems on dteir federai t� returns.
�'
�ts—y�c3
FIRE LOSS �7'ATISTICS
Hiqh-Rise Buiidings
In the United States {from 1987-1991) there were 68,840 high-rise fires {an average of
approximately 13,800 firss per year).
During this same five year period, fiires in high-rise buiidings did $396.4 Million of direct
property damage (an average ofi $79 Miffion per year). These fires, on average, killed
approximateiy 74 peopie each year and injured nearly 740 peopfe (these statistics did not
count firefighter deaths and injuries as a resuft of high-rise fires).
Most high-rise building fires and the associated losses occurred in apartment buildings. High-
rise apartment fires represented 48,390 of the 68,840 fires (72%) and $252 Mil{ion of the
$396.4 Mifiion worth of damage (64%). 325 of the fire fatalities involved high-rise apartment
bui{dings (88°l0) and 2819 of the 3586 injured persons were in apartment buildings (79%).
HIGH-RISE BUILDING FIRES - page 3
9 s - �l �t '3
>
�
�
Z .�
Q d
J d
�x
p] C
W '"
N y
� �
�
= Z
� N
= 7
Z �
O �
N
F" Y
4 =
n Q
W �
�
k
� ` _ �
0 F
W Q o 0 0 o c
Q 0 O r .-�-- r C
� �
ll.l Z
a-
O
N
� �
W� O O O O �
J � O V �t ' C/ f
Y-� v 3n cfl r �
Z
� �'
a
�
� v n c� w ;
x �
a
� Q N O O N O
W v �r r v` o
H Q
O =�
zZ
m rn o 0 0
N � r � rn �
p m c�i ri rn '
J o� M Gh V T
N I� N
49
1� O 1� tL)
� V V N ch
O O
� T
�
ti �
c
R z0
c� o
� �
N
v rn
rn �
v �
V!
p O
r
�
F-
W � o 0 0 0 0 0 0
� p M N O 1� 7
j � r
X y
Z O � lL') tn 6) CD �
cr cn e, � � � Y �, Q,
t O m n rn � � v m
F J N V 1� c0 N t�0 t�[
� N �
Z � �
� OJ (O 7 O d
V M C 1n � N V
N
�
W
J �
� ti rn � �m rn co � W
!L
H 0
(n Q
a � �}
o r N M�� w
� � � � �
} O� m O� � � � Q
o =
C �
N �
N �
3
� `o
y
`m �
� �
U
� �
� L
� �
m �
� �
U
� C
C �
�
o �
0
N �
� �
E �
� a
(9 N
a L
N `�
.'_- (ti
L
O i
� �
c �
N '
= u-
ro �
s � E
� � �
E ° >.
o - �
� � N
'6 " y
� � O
� 'Q
� �
U N �
O � �
m �
� �
C
'_ � �
� �
� E a�i
m m�
Y fl- •-
� N
� 'p T
m �
R i �
U r- �
� � >
�- o �a
>. � .c
m
�,
� � Q
� m
a�i E �n
�>C
N
o� p O
tU Q N
W "'
O +-
G C '�
d � r
N
c � fn
N ' Q �6
E� ��n
o � cn o
U Q
Q n N �
N — C
� � � �
`1 Y N CG
� Q � �
�� �
HI6H-RISE BU:LDING FIRES - page 3-a
¢
0
m
�
�
LL
M p V- g- a S M O N _1 2:� 3 F A k II E 1 2- 2 9 3- 1 T 0 9
< .
J � ~ Pass�building spr��.er law
i.aw►nak-
BCS RiUSt
prOYeCt
citizens
and prop-
erty t�y re-
qulring
sprinkiers
in ati our
tall buitd-
IIt�S
� J�( ;nnesofa — and particulerl� Duluth — neecSs [o
lYJf. protect its citizens and property Uy requiring
that all taSl buildings have sprinkler systems.
Altempts bp t1�e Legis;ature [o pass a hilt mandat•
ing sprinkler sys:eins in ail :�uildir.gc �;�;ler tl�an seven
sL3ries have been turned Gack in two pr2vious sessiuns
(in t994 Goc. Ariie Carlson veloed #he leg(station).
Now iawsnakers ara eonsidering il again, an� �his year
sucl� a blll sl�ould pass bcth Louses and fhe governor
shoufd sign iC — or heve liis veLv overridden, ,
Sev.eral oP Dulutt�'s oider Dululh 1���iidi:�gs wou1:3
he af�ecte:l. The legislation seesi�s ��arlicuiarty impor-
tazri fo: Dulult�, whicL• tfas experienced tt�ree major
fires iit c�owntowu hui3cti�ags (s: 1he las� =8 niotiths, at-
tliough noi;e was seveu slories tzll.
Nevertheless, lhe tires show how vulne��able otder
bui:dings'are to fira. �'JhiSe no lives wcre Ic�st in the
Ulttu:s, tl�ey showed how dangerous such fires can be
wl:en they spread w1i�i�geded tmlii eir�fighters arrive.
Sprinklers give fire departments a heac' stnrt.
A sirnilar iai:l in 194�3 vro+tid itave given owners five
years to install sprinkler3; )ast year �S.VBtOL(I I� gislation
exleaded that period to I5 y_azs, as wouid .lie version
bei�ig pushed this year.
White five i�ears sce;l�s so�newhnl sl�urt ard could
finai�ciaily strap landlords, 75 is tua Irn�g. t[aving
s��rinitters ir . il L21! buildings hy tl:e fear'lOIQ is so far
in ihe future it hardi}� seems wortt�y of debate ir. 199fi.
O�vners do need some stick, ar,d perl�nps a decade
I would be a good cot3Sproir,ise.
At a commitLee hearing tl�is weelc, tawrnakers ap-
� proved an amendment �o exempl residenl(al Ligh-rises
i:som havit�g te comp;y, a€ter hearl3�� testimony that
' apartment buildings are more diI[fcult Lo retratie, nnd
! llierefore r:ore expensive.
� Btri buiidsnbs in ��i�ici� people iive should r;ot be
Pxein}�ted. Certainly'iu�iian. saCely is tlzc y�rii+�ary iss�te
� nere, witt� properly concerf�s rot et�en a cJosc second.
tlo�v long would •,t take sitch tegisEa�ion fo pass it a
majw• fire in an older aparlment Uui1�9i�ig claimed mul-
tip[e tives? LeCs nol wait u:ttit ttiat ha4�pens.
P . 0 2
i�
°�t� -`'i�
Duluth News - Tribune March 24, 1995
I�A'y g- MON _12=45._,pAY: x 612-2'33-1769
satc:t . .. r.+ut -
� 1 ��' �.
EDITORIALS
SAlNT AASJt.I'tON£flH P(2fiSS _ SUNDAI', MAY 7. 1495
AU701ViATiC SPa1�iKER5
r
A needed safe�d
� lder high-rise buildings — those taller blian 75
feet end built before 1974 — are not requieed to
have autcmatle sprinkters far fir� protection in Min-
nesota. Members o! the state's fire fighting cammuni-
ty are unaaimous in believing this must change.
They have pushed hard for a new law that woutd
require building owners to install antomatic sprin-
kters in those alder bu'tldings, whether hotels or offic-
@s or aparEment towers. They are ail too aware oi the
poientiai loss of life and damage to property. i
Bi?1s are pending in both tl7e House and Senate that �
move toward tlte goal. TDe Senate b'ttl, sponsored 6y �
Sen. Carl Kroenir,g, DFS.-Minneapotis, makes no ex-
ceptions. The Iiouse biil, sponsored by Rep. IIob JUhn-
san, DFL-Bemidji, axempts residential bu�ldings.
Exempting residentiat tuitdings wouid be asinine.
4,�nuld anyo�ie who votes for a residential exemptiun
be ahie to explain that decisian lo a firefigitter at tre
� scene of a tatal fire af an oider hSgh-rise? Woutd
anyone want to tr}�?
Iiigti-rise owners are coneerneJ abQut the costs.
Estimates vary, bat run about $1,200 pr so for a
one•bedroom apar�ment, or less than $2 a sqaare foak.
Owners would have a very g�nerous 15 years to be in
tota! compliance. Lower insurance rates might ofiset
the cost over Yime.
Gov. Arne Carlson vetoed a.similar measure last
year. He said the hill would impose a h�ge eost on
cities and would make pu6licly sss[sted housing raore
difficalt to' ptovide. A prcvis�on in'this year's biii
would extesrd the deadl[ne for public housing projects
if funds aren't avaiiable.
When ivtinnesota's fire ilgttting cocnmunity is unifed
in suppost aE a reasonabte measure to prevent fire
,tragedies, the state's elected officials should iisten:
F . 5 3
�k
�
`�5 - 4 93��
M O H Y 2: 4 6 F A X �
a �
Pbst-�u�#e�n
1 L—� 5 3— 3 7 9 9
Wniux.G 6u�ra, E�unm k PUwI!�nx
�tuote� L Nny Garxw¢ .'11k+ne'.a
Muv.�x oF nrt S��ut Ntwvuta Cxwr, Irx.
};,��,nx[[, lu.
r,A. iu,a s�,u. uw�N,
Lrv xwcx, sN.aw Pnrsuws & cEn
TIilMLlS f`. $VALI� SIMUR �''I(F. PtC91l[fY(
POST-f3JLLETiN, ROC}iES7Eft, PA4d, Saiutday, �Aay 5, 19P5 �A
�
�
_' � �
Sprink[er bi�l rnakes sense
ochester has been a progres-
sxve leader in in ,talling sprin-
kie^ systems for high-rise
buildings. Even before the 3974
state 3aw that required ziew high-
rises to have sprinklers for Fire con-
trol, r�ew liuiidings :ii Roct�ester
commoniy had tlxean. ln 2930, tile
Kahlex FIotel was ihe Grst Ligli•rise
in the state to be reLro�ktec3 with
sprinkiers.
Because of Rocheste.'s foresigh:,
it wouSd not be mach aflected by a
new bil2 tkiat wautd requiz•e mest
high-rises in the state to Ue
retrofitted wiih spriulclets. QP2G
high-rises in the city, alt but tliree
have cor�plete sprinkler systems,
and two of those are pa!-tially pro-
tected.
The bill wouid requ9<e sprinkle!•s
in bulldings ocer 7b feet talt, buC
the retrafitting could Le phased ici
over 15 years.
There are mar.y reasons Lo sup-
poi�t legislation requiring sprizi-
;tiers, noY least of wl�icti is ttie
potential to save lives. It also :vou.d
be a measure to prevent serious
fires—whict� in the long rut� is far
cheaperthan fighiing t�em witli
hoses and trveks. Firetighting is
especially difficult—and dat�er-
ous—in high-rise builc4ic�gs.
This year's bill is similar tv o«e
that was approved hy poth }wuses
of the Legislature las� 5'ear — and
vetoed by Gov. Anie Carlson.
Opposition last year came from
the Minneapoiis Public Iionsing
Agency,�vhich operalesf�igh-rise
apartment coznplexes, and the ;Min
nesota MuTti•Hous"sng Association,
which represeats private owners of
apa,•tment buildings.
3'he reason 1'or opposing sueh a
law is that retrof:iting buildings
with sprinkIers is no� cl;eap —
though proponents say ia masl
cases thc cos2 wou:d bc abvu: gl.�
per square Toot oP a builuing, x�hich
thcy say is abouC the saine cosL as
inslallislg new carpel'snK. W;xa'.'s
�nore, Ol4I7CC5 OP I'n�CO�1C1@t) IJUiI(I-
ings see siguiCecai�t declines in Pire
iusuiaitce cosis.
T}iis year's bill allows �>ublic
liousing to seek exez;zUtions — evei3
thougii Lf�e TJ.S. Bep�trlit�eiil oC
IIoasing and Urban Develvpti�cu±
lias lUncls fo� retroli!tiisg of public
I�ousii�g iu piaces with taws iike tho
oiie proposed ii1 11liuuesoia.'3'1ie bill
also has an exemptio�i ��ruceclw
for privately� owned higlrriscs in
whict� t]iere nzay De a cotu(�elling
reasai For a h•aiver.
Tl�al nt�kes mors se�ise Lftair u
ltousc auteiadment tliat woulc!
exeiii��t residenli�f lii�li-riscs fi•u«i
the �ro;3oscJ iaw. St�le t�irc Mac-
shal'lbtu Iira�e uoCes il�a� (ii•es .ire
IG tinees �rurre f.ikel�� i�i i•esic3ci�lia!
higSrrises Lliasi iu olTice 6uilcliciks
lixempling reside�itial buildir��,:s
wou:d del'cai �I�e p�c� {Jace uC U1e
ltitt.
I'herc are tL:ee impurt.inL cou.5ici-
er�Livtis:
i SE�riukSex•s savc lives.'7'bere
liave beet� r.ero cle�lhs Cran lire:s in
sprenicicrc�f buildings uaLivataUy.
■ Syyinklors save lircfiK]�tet:s'
(ives. I�ire3i�l�tei•s �o wlicrc llu�,y
l�ave to go, but ttiere is no jus(i;ir�-
lion Cor exposing tlteui Lo 1�az .IlYI.S
whicl� caF� be avoided.
■Pighfing tires in a Isi�;ii-ritic is
laUor-in�e�isive and cnu e.i:�i1y
exceed a d�•part�r�ani's cal�ariiy tn
respvnd elTeci ivcly.
Mimtesa�(a wnul�l tm ;� s�iCc�r ,yta(z�
if+lte Iiot;se BSIfI S(tt:ILC; tICI[`tt' tlx�
:'esi:Ieiltial exc::is�lion [iu�? t;uv.
C�rlson sigas !he bil] to rec�uirr
autoinatic sprinkters in I�i�?h ris�s.
LeCc �ZOi wo�i: m�fil n tire caivi.4��s �i
l�eavv Inss at'life in �� t�i,�b-risc resi-
dei?Lia: bi�iid;�t�;,'i'i.r Lc�isl;dur�•
s3fould ada��at Cltis v.ilu:�blt� ;;.ili�fp
nieasurc itow,
P _ y 4
I
�t S -�`i�
q s -tiq3
�
�
�
a
�
W
�
Z
�
_]
J
t�
s.1
�
,..� ;,
Ni
`�
u*
':''-�
�
�
�
��
� e �d
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
/ i q �
ae1��
�
b `.�
�
�
�
•`_., � ccl � CJ � � �',� ' 4 ..i � '_'I CJ
J -� � --' ^ � � �. CJ .. � � �. .:�� �
� � �' '_' � CA �' J :+ .., I � ., i
�� J `: c3 r � C y c3 ""' O�I '._� C: i= I
� @ �'�" � : .'� ? O U � (0 ti . � ,� � I � � J �l � .
t I � r� _:� 3 wz � C c% ; �I� �� C°
Y�� .Y -. ` �. w � _ � � �� ^ t � v. --� i
� �7 .� � ^ .-� , c = � � � j —, � � :� i �' � r = � �
^ � � ' t �:
• -- ��,, � � �..�— 3--^ c� ; ;s �. °A ?:�(� ='—I
� '. t. .- i
� � � �^,� cS.: ^ ..cJ U'� ��V �'� �Y
� 7w`I O '� � " �n 3 CJ � �n � C � � X '� ` _' cJ � O O
����;��` °�= �� ��C��4=�I�
O m."�. O� p� �i �.: n v� �� �-7 c; �'=' 1 , D
�,� _ cn :3 � cA ', � c�n '� ' p ^ ..0 =. �=' ( � =� c�st �
_.z..� �.. � O i� ;;, �_a o ^y cn � _ c; . - O 1 � , _,� I 3' �,
_�+..� ;.N J, , y � . � '� � ^ � ` -r '] _" � M �^' : .' � J�
. y'� � y y .... ' � :. � ^ � 7� ^ :�: ' _� `" . _"
3 j C=� vJ CJ � ..'7 S=. � O i�. �+— I�
ai u:.. ��ai �T.^ v�i � ^�� v� x�c���l� W
�
�
e �
�
?"""�
�\
W
�
�
�
�
.�
•
�
-- c� c� x cn .,� s . �..,
.J +y1 Vj ��'] � -�n � � N �
; :r;�r�c� _cc3" ="-c�
� �` '� :3 � � .� ✓ : N N � � J ^� �
L` '
-a ¢. :� � � - � n � e�i ^ ;� � o � � � � 3 a
� �x
c, `" _°� -- = "' ° `: � _, ao ,. o ej n `� o -' a�
��^ " T `� y~ � i � c � O c�.. O
..ai�ai�s�a� :i �,c�oc e� c�
+.� r/1 ... !1] !� .� W '6 GV N O.J - �rT
',� i V] .:� � ✓i .'� CJ v.. . `�'� N ,� --+
^ �'� n cn "'' � c3 . c^J TS C� CC � J
'� N � �� � rJ c0 O � 'J J �� � � � �
�' . � � � � �
r �.V � ' r ^ `� ^ CA '� � � � � v]
+� .^ G: � N � � '.�., .O � b ��' p C O 'O c � � ..�
G �
C '" � � ? y � � r , F' � ; � :7 � ' J � U � w �
�Z o � .°�' 3 � ,''�.. � � � � `= `"G c� -n
� c�° c� c�� � ^ � , - �i o � >,o
c� .�_ ao �n c� C=1 c� x '^ �
� a �o � i : c.^ '-� � � ' _' -; N o , o
x.. .� r ' � ^«Y a ..., c3 0 �-~ c� �.-� c-' � �!
C� .-+ �'3 ..-. � i C. O G C -L.� .^—. � C7 +� v�i y
�
H
¢
ti
�
H
N
x
�
¢
C6
Z
Z
Q
•� w � C +' "O 'O :J J CI
� � � � � � ' � r �
-J y� a . � c at '�
`u ^ e> '� c ;n , w ��i, .� r� ol
���°� �"^ .�°'.o�s�o.�cc�cc
� � ��;^.��_z-�.��
ca °„_,' o ao � C°�� a� � �j'� y��
d �
rn ���� v ' y c6 � y � o'x C �
� "' �J y G "7 ""' 'Jl �/1 ..: N C� �
.� � S'* � d , _N , � ;� U1 �.' �'C ""�
� � x � ��.
6J �, ^ � v � N c4 � U � ���-+! � � s-.
Ci N"" y.�v- � H VT '✓1 CLS N� V1 � C�
� C CSS N-b N � CJ vl
o C L: '� F„ �>.y �'C1 w � 3
�� � t+[� �,,�, ..� � �� � [..
� � a� c � c o a�i ^ � 'cy ' � �'�" � �
c� o� o.s�E, c� 3 c�a o a 3
w �
c�i � �� � . o� �G a�
g� bou' o a> ���rn °�°� c,
�ID =� .... o ,a >
F.. O .G -u ,r C� O .Q �'�"... .� 'O ++
�
0
3
�
ni �-
e � . +�- �j
4, t.:'.s.� xi . ,.:."�. .. .... . ....:.: e.....x.tWe^°' .. a.�n s :,^ .,. ,. �. ..,,.. r. �. ,:
�,1 ,c
9s-y�
Sprinklers- save high-rise clweller
St. Paul Fire Marshal STEVEN ZACCARD
St. Paul Disfrict Chief STEVE PIZtNGER
On Tuesday. December 14, 1993 zt 2.02
p.m. the S[. Paul Departmen[ of Fire and
SaferySen�ices responded �o a ca11 of alarms
sounding at a 27 story fiigh-nse residentia!
bwlding in dow'ntown S[. Paul. The build-
I�g had a fully au[omatic fire de[ection
rystem installed in the cortidors and stair-
wells, and single-stanon smoke decec[ors in
each of the ?2S condo units. [t was also
equipped throughout �vith an automa[ic
fire sprinkler system.
First responding fire companies arrived
wrthfn tv✓o mmutes of the alarm. Fvefighters
found a sprinkler head activated in the
kachen of a condo on tl�e 19[h Floor, the
resulc of a fire [hat started on the s[ove. The
fire spread to kitchen cabmecs above [he
stove and was quickly extinguished by [he
sprinkler head located on the ceiling s�x feet
away. 1'his one sprmkler head not only
contained the fae, but completety extin-
guished it so quickly chae smoke build-up
was mimmal (t d�d not accumulate enough
co se[ oFf the smoke detec[or in the condo
uni[ or in the corridor. Control of the
incident by the sprinkler system signifi-
cantly reduced the nsk to the bwlding
�tenants and firefighters in this high-rise fire.
More important [han the reduced prop-
erty damage was that the tenant in the
condo was impaved and unable [o react [o
[he fire. Given his condition a[ the time of
[he fire, the smoke detecror may not have
3roused him. That tenan[ is alive today
because of extmguishment performed by a
smgle fire sprmkler Smoke was kept to a
mimmum, thercfore toxic gases were not
creaced Had this occupancy not been pro-
vided wuh a fully au[oma[ic sprinkler sys-
tem, the ou[come would have been vagi-
cally different A fire dea[h would have
occurred Smoke and heac damagc to che
strucmre would have been significant and
caused [he evacuauon and relocauon of
many oC che cenancs. M1ationalVy, high-nse
fires where fire sprinklers have no[ been
presen[ have resul[ed in loss oF life, and
dollar losses haee been in the miIDons.
Here [he water damage was minvmal and
wascoveredby�nsurance Iftherehadbeen
no sprinkiers, more water would have been
❑eeded [o combxt the fire. The building
manager said [enancs were glxd chere w�as
only mm�mal a�are� damage m a coupie of
unics inscead of smoke and hea[ damage in
many. No one Iost any personat properry
and only the tenant in the unit of fire origin
had to be relocared Everyone else was
aliowed to remain in their homes.
Property dymage was sli�ht, personal
property was saved and no one was killed
or injured This is the way Pves should be
extinguished, wifi :t built-in fire suppres-
sion.aystem c�pable of Qucting wacer on d�e
fire in die early s[ages beforc i[ becomes
untenabte for occup�ncs and a hazard to
fireflghter.s The average dolVar Ioss in
sprmklered residcn[ial properry m the pas[
three years was j0% less tham m �orn
spnnklered properties. $tace Fire Marshal
statistics report There has been no reporced
loss oF life m sprmklered buddings m Mio-
nesota
The inadent clearly demonstra[es the
power of a fire spnnkler sys[em. \Y�'e can
butld fire res�s[rvc buildmgs, compartmen-
tal�ze dic conso-uc[ion to kcep the fire to
one umt, and teach people ro prcven[ fire
Ye[ [he simple f;�c� �s— �a-hcn x fire occurs
the best dcfense u an automa[ic means of
de[ection ;�nd a spnnkfer syscem co excin-
gmsh the fire before ie desvoys people and
property Fire sprinklers are for life —
yours
(Mary Nuchbar, pt�bkc edcicator. Minne-
sota Sla7e Fzre lvlcarsbad Der,�iseon, contnh-
uted to th:s amde )
QUALITY PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE:
the key #o assuring you reach
your desfinafion
Do you have a Preventative
Maintenance Program?
If not, who do you cail at
2 a.m. for breakdown
assistance?
G ptUMQG�
- f�
� . ,
COMPLETE REPAIR SERVICE
75137 Felier St.
sU�ce c
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(612) 464-4034
COLUMBUS TRUCK SERVICE, fNC.,
IS COMM{TTED TO EXCELLENCE
• 78 years diesel/gas engine, medium
to heavy duty truck maintenance
and repair experience
• Quality workmanship
• Certified Waterous pump technician
• 24 hour service via digital pager
• Wrecker service available
references avaitab{e
MAY/JUNE 1994
19
, 0� 5j05/1995 14:27 6122286241
- � MRY 05 '% 15=05
�
FIRE PREVENTION
COMPAfti'1AENTA'iION & FlRE PROTECTtON
A�1�sis of Seiected Rres
Hiqb-Rise 8utidlnns
PAGE 03
P.2-2
`�S-`l93
Ttovember 21, 1980 MGM GRAND HOTEL - t,as Vegas. 26 story high-i�se hotel
of fire-resistive and non-combustibie construction. Ffre started
in tst floor casino and spread through seismic shaits, etevator
shafts, and stairways. 8S persons kiRed, 679 persons injured;
most of the tatalitias (64 of 85j were o� the 2Uth through 251h
floors.
November 25, 1982 DONA(.DSON'SINORWEST BANK - Minr+eapot{s. Arson fire
fn building being demofished {Donafdson's} extended irrto
unoccupied bank building through windows. Nonwest Bank was
16 stories in height and the flre destroyed the 6th through 16th
iloors. 24 fireflghters were injured; damage was estlmated a!
$95-100 million.
May 4, 1988 FlRS7 IN1"ERST'AT� BANK - Los Angeles. 62 story o�ce
building of fi�e-reststive const�udion. Ftre started oa 12th Aoor
and spread to four !loors (12-15th storles). Signiticant Aoor !o
tioor flFe spread was by internal and extarnal (i_e. windaws)
means. 1 death, major resct�e eNrnt by 64 fire companies and
383 flretighters using police and fire heticopter�. •
Februaty 23, 1991 ONE MER1DlAN PLAZA - Phltadelphia. 36 story ofllce buitding
of fire-resistive construciion. Fi�e started on 22nd floor and
extended fo 29th floor. Following the de�th of three tirefighters,
the decisian was made to halt all flreflghting operations and
w(thdraw from the building.l0 sprinkters activated on 30th floor
wh�ch stopped Tire spread 2t that }�frrt. The principle means
of fire spread was vsrtically through breach in concrete waN
and into elecirica! wiring shaft.
February 15, i992 tA. COUNT'Y HEALTH HUILDIN(3 - Los Angeles. 14 story
otftce building ot tire-resistive conswctlon. Fire began on 71h
floor which was fully involved when firefighters arrivad. Fre
was extending outside the 72h iloor a�d had broken windows
o� the 8th floar but an aggres ,Ive tireflghting attack i�valving
22Q tir�fighters contained the tire to these floars.
HtGH�-RISE BUlLOtNG FlAES - page 5
_--- - - P.2i2
- ' MRY 05 '95 15�03
95—�1q3
• Therc were 68,840 high rise fires from 1987 to 1991 in tt�e United
Statos.
� Betvrcen 1987 and 199! high rise fires caused $39b.4 million of direct
property loss in the Ut►ited States.
• In the Uniced 5tates high tise fires result in 74 peopie Icitled and �40
P�Pie injured each ycar.
•✓ RcliAnce on compamnentalixation where there is roliancz on "fire
resisdv�" construction has resuhed in significant failures when high rise
fuss have occurrod,
• lnstallation of fire sprinkler systems have been provan narionwide to bt
an affective life safety and property safety method