Fire sprinkler group calls for Mitchell retrofit

RACINE A nonprofit fire sprinkler group Tuesday called on the Racine Unified School Board to retrofit Mitchell Elementary School with a complete fire sprinkler system following last weeks fire.

The school, at 2713 Drexel Ave., does not have sprinklers because construction codes do not require it, according to Unified Buildings and Grounds Director Bryan Arnold.

Dan Gengler, a retired fire official who represents the Wisconsin chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, said fire sprinklers should be the top priority in the renovation of the school following the fire.

Now is the time to retrofit a complete fire sprinkler system, as it will save money during this stage of renovation, Gengler said. The School Board should make sure the entire building is safe, with equal fire protection for all occupants.

Arnold said Unified can certainly consider fire sprinklers but right now its way too early to talk about. ... Were still trying to mitigate (damage) and get everything up and running.

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Fire sprinkler group calls for Mitchell retrofit