Bill McHugh, Executive Director, Firestop Contractors International Assn., Wheaton, Ill.

FCIA Promotes ‘Triad’ Solution

Chicago is the birthplace of the high-rise building and has been a world leader in building safety after the great Chicago fire in 1871. We applaud Mayor Daley, the City Council and the High Rise Building Safety Committee chaired by Alderman Bernard Stone for facilitating public discussion about fire and life safety in Chicago's buildings. During recent testimony at the City Council, we were saddened to hear from senior citizens as well as building owners and managers that might have to move elsewhere or shutter buildings due to the expense of the high-rise building sprinkler mandate. We, like this committee, believe Chicagoans should be protected from fire and smoke in buildings. However, we need to keep the economics of living and employing in Chicago affordable.