N. Idaho firefighters say bill will endanger lives

SANDPOINT, Idaho - Legislation to eliminate the International Fire Code as a minimum standard in the state would endanger lives, north Idaho firefighters say.

"You're talking about public safety here, and it's a huge step backward," Sagle Fire Chief Rob Goodyear told the Bonner County Daily Bee, "and believe you me, we will be the laughingstock of the firefighting community nationwide if in fact that happens because the code was established to save lives."

The Association of Idaho Cities and Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association oppose House Bill 202, a measure backed by contractors and real estate developers.

The bill would limit code enforcement authority of the state fire marshal's office to public buildings and deregulate the design and installation of fire sprinklers. Currently the fire marshal reviews sprinkler systems in private as well as public buildings.

"Virtually every citizen I have talked to has expressed disbelief that this could be happening," said Tim Vargas, president of the fire commissioners association.

The bill has made it through the House and is slated to be heard Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Sagle fire commissioners last month unanimously adopted a resolution stating the bill would "effectively reduce fire code requirements, thereby increasing risk of fire and/or physical harm to citizens and firefighters alike."

State Fire Marshal Mark Larson said he has not taken a position on the bill.

"Our role as a state agency is to enforce the policy and statutes that the legislative body enacts," Larson said. "Whatever they come up with, that's what we'll deal with."

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Information from: Bonner Daily Bee, http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com

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