Fire codes need updating to enhance safety measures.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which took place on March 25, 1911, in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, remains one of the most devastating industrial disasters in American history. The conflagration claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, who succumbed to flames, smoke inhalation, or the desperate choice to leap from the burning building. Contributing to the tragedy was a lack of safety measures, including functional sprinklers, unlocked exits, and adequate smoke ventilation in the stairwell, which played a critical role in the high casualty rate.

In the aftermath of the Shirtwaist Factory tragedy, the New York City Fire Prevention Bureau was established, leading to significant legislative changes designed to enhance building safety standards and protect residents and workers from future disasters. This historical event served as a catalyst for improved fire regulations and enforcement.

More recently, on January 9, 2022, a fire at the Twin Parks North West, Site 4, a high-rise residential building in the Bronx, resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including eight children, all of whom died from smoke inhalation. This incident marked the third deadliest residential fire in the U.S. in four decades and the most tragic fire to occur in New York City since the Happy Land nightclub disaster in 1990.

In light of these devastating incidents, there is a pressing need for ongoing reforms aimed at bolstering fire safety measures in the city. The Twin Parks fire has prompted renewed calls for action, and city officials are urged to support critical legislation—Int. 0088-2024—which seeks to mandate regular inspections and maintenance of smoke and fire dampers in residential structures. This bill aims to ensure that essential fire safety systems remain functional and compliant with updated safety regulations.

Key features of the proposed legislation include stipulations that require certified professionals to conduct inspections and tests on UL-rated fire and smoke dampers, as well as smoke purge systems. Inspections would occur one year post-installation and subsequently every four years, with a six-year interval for hospitals. This proactive legislation is designed to rectify safety gaps and guarantee continued compliance with crucial fire protection protocols.

Findings from a 2021 study by the University of Maryland indicate that a significant number of fire safety dampers are not functioning correctly, with 53% of over 170,000 systems evaluated requiring repair. Similarly, 41% of the smoke control systems reviewed showed that existing stairwells needed adjustment or repairs. Such statistics underscore the necessity for rigorous inspection processes.

Furthermore, while remote inspection technology may provide convenience, it often lacks reliability, underscoring the importance of thorough, on-site evaluations by trained professionals as a cornerstone of fire safety.

By aligning the city’s standards with those set forth by the National Fire Protection Association, the proposed legislation—Int. 0088—aims not only to prevent catastrophic events like those witnessed at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and Twin Parks North West but also to create hundreds of jobs in fire safety maintenance.

The imperative remains clear: ensuring the safety of buildings in New York City is a commitment that must go beyond regulatory compliance; it is a promise to safeguard lives. Families and individuals residing in schools, hospitals, and apartment complexes deserve the assurance that fire safety systems are regularly tested and maintained. It is time for action that prioritizes accountability and professionalism in protecting lives throughout the city.

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