MFD Prepares for Possible Confusion Over Fire Codes

The City of Madison Fire Department is working to keep builders, contractors and designers up to date on possible fire code changes in the event a new legislative initiative passes. Senate Bill 32 prohibits a city, village, or town from enacting or enforcing an ordinance that establishes minimum standards for the construction, repair, and maintenance of places of employment and public buildings unless the ordinance strictly conforms to the rules set by the State. City Fire Marshal Ed Ruckriegel says the City of Madison works to maintain consistency in local codes, having adopted the International Fire Code in 2002. "We are strict in our enforcement of State and local fire codes to maintain safe buildings across the City," Ruckriegel said. "As home to the State Capitol and the UW-Madison, we have issues specific to our community that we have to address that are likely not relevant to other jurisdictions. Our goal has always been to maintain good relationships with builders to ensure that they have all the information they need throughout a project."