Council Refuses By-law On Theatre Sprinklers

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30576, 20 October 1964, Page 18

Council Refuses By-law On Theatre Sprinklers

Although there was no bylaw requiring theatres to install and maintain sprinkler systems, provision was made each year when licences were renewed to consider any recommendations to the chief fire officer on fire prevention and the safety of persons assembled in public buildings, the by-laws committee reported to the Christchurch City Council last evening.

The committee was commenting on a request by the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board that it enact a bylaw requiring sprinkler systems in theatres and cinemas. The revised standard code on fire-flghting construction and means of egress was being considered at present, the committee continued. However, this provided only for sprinkler systems to be installed over theatre stages of more than 1500 sq. ft. “The committee is of the opinion that the provisions of the revised standard code, which is being operated by the council, are adequate at the oresent time,” it added. “When we go to a theatre we expect the fire precautions to be taken care of, but there is only one theatre with a sprinkler system covering the whole building,” said Cr. N. G. Pickering.

Picture theatres were not required to have a sprinkler system under the standard code, said Cr. G. D. Griffiths. All the safety requirements were covered.

“This is Just some fancy of an individual on the Fire Board,” he said. “It is not practical, reasonable, or anything else.” The need for proper fire precautions on the stage was not arguable, but it was very arguable whether a sprinkler system should be installed over the auditorium, said Cr. H. P. Smith. It was not required by the standard code.