Fire Code Change?

North Carolina Fire Marshal's Association President Frank Blackley is steamed at Raleigh-based architect John Hitch, who's trying to change fire code regulations in restaurants, bars, and night clubs. He wants to triple the maximum number of people allowed inside.

"Overcrowding is always going to be a safety concern. You don't want to have more people than the building is designed to hold," says Blackley.

The law recently changed regarding sprinklers in restaurants, bars, and night clubs. It reduced the number of people allowed inside in relation to the number of sprinklers.

The Fire Marshal's Association made the move last summer, more than three years after a Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed more than 100 people. School cafeterias would also be affected by the new code. Hitch, who declined a recorded interview, said he's concerned about schools in rural areas that might not be able to afford to meet the stricter new requirements. But Blackley doesn't buy the arguement.

"We obviously don't think there will be a tremendous cost because of insurance savings for the school by having a sprinklered building."

Hitch said he would consider a compromise for businesses that serve alcohol.
The Fire Marshal's Association is still pushing for a public hearing on the issue to get the public's input.