Estero Fire’s sprinkler installation plan receives pushback

ESTERO, Fla.- The Estero Fire Department is advocating the installation of fire sprinklers in all new homes.

Officials say fires double in size every 30 seconds. Even after calling 911, your entire kitchen could be gone by the time emergency crews pull up.

“Sprinklers reduce the damage from fire in homes by 70 percent,” said Fire Marshall Phillip Green. He believes all new single and double family homes in Estero should be built with sprinklers. “It only makes sense to try and put protective measures in place.”

But sprinklers cost money and that’s where people are starting to pick sides.

“This is just an unnecessary regulation that is being added onto the home buyer,” said Brenda Thomas, executive vice president of the Lee Building Industry Association.

Thomas doesn’t want to see the Estero fire board pass the measure in October.

“They underestimate the costs of the sprinklers. We’re looking at them being anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000 per home,” said Thomas. She adds homeowners would have to be given the chance to make up that money somewhere else.

Green says the department will waive a number of fees and inspection costs totaling about $300. Green also says homeowners will save money on insurance, but it will take up to 30 years to see the economic benefit.

“They’re putting sprinklers in my new house. I’m 61 years old, I’m going to be 95 before I see the economic benefit of these stupid sprinklers,” said Thomas.

“That’s true, however, the home will still be there. Other people will move in and they will continue to get the savings, so the savings are going to stay with the house,” said Green.

A public hearing to be held Tuesday afternoon at the Estero Fire Rescue station on Three Oaks Parkway hopes to douse some of the flames on what’s turning into a heated debated.

The measure would only apply to new homes being built in Estero, not to existing homes.