Proposed State Fire Rule Changes Withdrawn

We told you in July that St. Rep. David Reis was asking area residents to send letters opposing proposed changes in the state fire safety code.  Reis said the proposed changes would have, among other things, mandated fire sprinkler systems in all new residential home construction and in existing places of assembly.

On Friday, Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis announced the proposed rule would no longer be considered in front of the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules at this time.  The public hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, has been cancelled.

Matkaitis said, "After months of study into how we can better protect the lives and property of Illinois residents, I directed my office to draft Illinois' first fire code update in 11 years.

"Since we began this process, we conducted numerous meetings with local officials, legislators, fire safety professionals, community leaders and residents who have all expressed a desire to strengthen Illinois' fire safety.

"We have received an unprecedented amount of public input and suggestions through emails, letters and public meetings.

"In the course of this process, it's become clear that any proposed state rule needs additional refinement.

"Therefore today I am officially withdrawing the proposed rule before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to take into account substantial public comment and carefully re-examine this issue."