
San Antonio high-rises could be required to retroactively install fire sprinkler systems
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood is recommending San Antonio high-rise buildings 75 feet or taller – typically 7 stories – be retrofitted with fire sprinklers, even if sprinklers weren’t required when the structures were built.
The deaths of six people last year following a fire at the Wedgwood Senior Living apartments in Castle Hills prompted the city of San Antonio to take inventory. Officials wanted to know how many high-rises lack sprinkler systems. The Fire Department counted at least 36 built before a 1982 city mandate for buildings 75 feet or taller to have fire sprinklers (there are 12 additional buildings being looked at that may not meet enforcement criteria). The majority of the 36 are office buildings but eight are residential.
More details here.