In our February newsletter we pointed out that the owners of apartment buildings with seventeen units or more had been slow to comply with a 2005 state law requiring an integrated, "three featured fire alarm system". These include the requirement that smoke detectors be installed in all units and common areas and the requirement that each corridor and apartment unit be equipped with sound devices that alert residents to the presence of a fire in the building. The third feature requires buildings that have fire sprinkler systems be tied to an outside alarm monitoring service.

The slow response was attributed to the cost of these new alarm systems as well as to the fact that most multi-family buildings already have alarm systems in units and corridors that are not integrated. The other reason for the slow response is that the number of rental units in Fridley (more than 4,000 units) together with the staffing levels of the Fridley Fire Department limit the frequency of inspection of rental units and common areas.

Since February, however, the Fire Department and rental property owners have made considerable progress in achieving compliance with state law. As of mid-August the owners of thirty-three of fifty-four apartment buildings had completed the upgrading of their fire alarm systems. Four other owners were in the process of completing installations. The owners of seven other buildings have indicated in writing that their building will be compliant by the end of the year. Two other owners, one who owns nine buildings and another who owns one building, have thus far failed to cooperate. Should they not cooperate by year's end; the Fire Department will assess additional penalties and refuse to renew rental licenses for the buildings.

According to Assistant Fire Chief John Crelly, there is abundant evidence that the new integrated fire alarm systems do help to save lives and limit property damage. On March 5 of this year, for example, firefighters were dispatched to an apartment fire at 630 Osborne Road. Shortly after being dispatched, Anoka County Dispatch advised that there was smoke in the exit hallway. Upon arrival, firefighters located a burning mattress that had been dragged to the living room of a ground floor apartment. After trying to extinguish the fire, residents of the apartment were forced by the dense smoke to leave the apartment. According to John Crelly, residents had no intention of calling 911. Fortunately, the new smoke detectors in the building's hallway detected the smoke and alerted all residents in the building. As a result, everyone was able to quickly and safely exit the building. Had the building's smoke alarm system not been upgraded, chances are great that the fire and smoke would have spread rapidly to other units in the building.

If residents or apartment owners have questions or comments, please forward them to Assistant Fire Chief John Crelly. He may be reached by emailing him at crellj@ci.fridley.mn.us. Alternatively, give him a call at 763-572-3613.