The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will soon consider a Uniform Fire Code amendment that would require all buildings 75 feet and taller to install full coverage sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems became a requirement for new construction in 1987. However, buildings built before then, such as the one Seth lived in, need to have the same fire protection. The proposed amendment will have no direct effect on low-rise and mid-rise buildings such as 1203 Washington Street. However, we hope, as do our friends at IAFF Local 1078, that the NJDCA will make the Uniform Fire Code amendment the first step in truly providing a proactive response to Seth’s death.
The 243 Foundation is also working to promote the requirement of common fire alarms/smoke detectors in multi-family residences. Seth’s apartment did have a working smoke detector, but it was not connected to the fire department or a monitoring company.