COMMUNITY SAFETY
Fire Spurs Code Changes for Georgetown Animal Care Facilities
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“Many people, myself included, believe animals are extensions of our family. As a direct result of this unspeakable loss for 59 of our Georgetown families, we took a hard look at our processes and our building codes, and have taken several, critical steps to ensure we do better by our beloved pets. I wish I could turn back time and prevent this tragedy from happening in the first place. I get some solace, and I hope the families will as well, from knowing we have put measures in place to protect our four-legged family members in the future.”
~Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan
fter a devastating fire killed 75 pets at the Ponderosa Pet Resort in Georgetown, Georgetown City Council unanimously approved amendments to the city’s fire codes. On February 23, council voted to require all animal care facilities to install fire alarms, and newly constructed facilities will have additional fire-protection requirements. The amendments make Georgetown’s fire codes among the strongest in the nation when it comes to protecting pets and animals. Most state, national, and international fire codes do not require fire prevention features for animal care facilities. “The code amendments council approved make Georgetown one of the safest places to board your pet in the entire country,” Mayor Josh Schroeder said. “These amendments represent a long overdue change in how the fire code protects these important members of our families. The features animal-care facilities are now required to install will help prevent tragedies like the one we experienced here in September from happening again, and we’re available to work with anyone who wants to bring our model to their community as well.” Under Georgetown’s fire code amendments: All existing facilities used for the temporary or permanent housing or care of animals are required to install a supervised fire alarm system before the end of September 2024. Of the 23 animal care facilities in the Georgetown Fire Department service area, 17 did not have fire alarms. Electronically supervised carbon-monoxide detection systems also are required in newly constructed animal-care facilities; equestrian facilities are exempt.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk All newly constructed animal-care facilities are required to have advanced fire protection features that include a sprinkler system. Acceptable alternatives: A facility with 50 or fewer animals that has a supervised fire alarm system and Class A finish on the walls (similar to the drywall used in residential garages), will not be required to install a sprinkler system. A facility with 51 to 100 animals that has a supervised fire alarm system, fire resistant materials surrounding the kennel area, and Class A finish on the walls will not be required to install a sprinkler system. A facility with more than 100 animals that provides all animals immediate, unobstructed access outside, has a supervised fire alarm system, and provides constant supervision will not be required to install a sprinkler system. A facility with 24-hour, on-site supervision is required to install a fire alarm system and will not be required to install a sprinkler system.
Action Report Fire investigators hypothesized six potential causes of the Ponderosa fire, all of which have to do with the facility’s electrical equipment. In addition to fire code amendments, the fire department has taken other steps to help mitigate similar incidents in the future. These include adding animal housing or care facilities to its annual, priority inspections list, as well as auditing and inspecting the existing animal-care facilities in its service area.
2022 • ISSUE 2 | WILCO BUSINESS REVIEW
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