The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on March 25, 1911, in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, ranks among the most catastrophic fires in American history. Tragically, 146 garment workers lost their lives, succumbing to the blaze, smoke inhalation, or while desperately trying to escape by leaping from the building. The severity of this disaster was exacerbated by the lack of sprinkler systems, locked exit doors, and a single stairwell that provided no smoke ventilation.
In the wake of this calamity, the New York City Fire Prevention Bureau was formed, and new laws were introduced to enhance building safety, including revisions to the city’s building code. These changes were aimed at averting similar tragedies in the future.
Fast forward to January 9, 2022, when a fire erupted at Twin Parks North West, Site 4, a high-rise apartment block in the Bronx. This incident led to the deaths of 17 individuals, including eight children, all victims of smoke inhalation. This fire was the third most devastating residential fire in the U.S. over the past four decades and the deadliest in New York since the 1990 Happy Land nightclub fire.
Historically, each major fire that results in loss of life has prompted the city to adopt measures to enhance the safety of its buildings, safeguarding both residents and workers. The Twin Parks tragedy presents yet another crucial moment that demands action to prevent future losses.
This is why I urge the City Council to pass Int. 0088-2024. This sensible legislation calls for regular inspections and upkeep of smoke and fire dampers in residential buildings, ensuring these critical systems remain operational and adhere to safety regulations.
The bill’s primary provisions mandate that certified professionals inspect and test UL-rated (Underwriters Laboratories) fire, smoke, and combination dampers, alongside smoke purge systems. These evaluations should occur one year after installation and every four years thereafter, except in hospitals, where the inspection interval is extended to six years.
This legislation would close gaps in building safety and guarantee ongoing compliance with critical fire protection measures, thereby ensuring commercial, industrial and public buildings in the city are safe for both occupants and first responders. Among those gaps are the fact that fire dampers, smoke dampers, and smoke control systems are not subject to inspection and testing requirements.
What is more, many inspection technicians in the field have revealed publicly that many dampers and smoke control systems do not operate properly. Indeed, in a review of more than 170,000 fire life safety dampers conducted in a 2021 University of Maryland study found that 53% needed repairs. The same study reviewed 740 smoke control system projects and found that 41% of existing building stairwells required repairs or adjustment.
If any building had less than half of their sprinklers, fire alarms, or fire extinguishers in working order, that building would be immediately evacuated. Why would we treat fire and smoke control systems any differently?
Remote inspection technology may offer convenience, but it is not always reliable, and false readings are often found. Nothing replaces the certainty of a trained professional conducting a thorough visual inspection.
Int. 0088 would bring New York in line with the approved standards of the National Fire Protection Association, which are already part of the New York City Fire Code. And in fact, many other states and municipalities have passed similar measures, including ensuring that technicians performing the work are qualified by an internationally recognized certification.
This bill was designed to prevent tragedies like those at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and Twin Parks North West, while also creating hundreds of local jobs in fire safety maintenance.
This effort would quite simply save lives. Families walking into schools, hospitals or apartment buildings deserve the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that fire alarms, sprinklers, and other life safety systems are regularly tested. Protecting lives should never be treated as merely a checked box. It must be a commitment backed up by accountability and professionalism. Pass this life-saving measure.
Cassano, a senior managing director of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno, LLC, served as the 32nd New York City fire commissioner from 2010 to 2014.
