The Ames Fire Department has submitted a proposal to the Office of Greek Affairs calling for installation of sprinkler systems in all ISU greek system houses.

Currently, only seven to 10 greek houses have some form of sprinkler retrofitting, said Alisa Frandsen, assistant dean of students and director for Greek Affairs.

Ames Deputy Fire Chief Russ Scott said their department has been observing a national trend in fires across university greek system housing.

“We’ve been monitoring what’s been going on across the nation in terms of the life loss occurring in college communities in the greek system and in off-campus housing as well,” he said. “There’s been quite an effort made toward trying to get fraternities and sororities retrofitted for sprinklers, which is one of the best ways to provide life safety for occupants.”

Dan Winters, senior in journalism and president of Beta Theta Pi, said the proposal to install the sprinkler systems is a precautionary measure.

“It’s a nationwide trend to increase safety within sorority and fraternity housing,” said Winters. “Studies have proven that sprinkler systems are the best way to stop fires early and save lives.”

Scott said at this time a proposal has not been submitted to the Ames City Council.

If initiated, the proposal would call for all sprinkler systems to be installed and operating within five years. The cost to install the systems will range from $60,000 to $100,000 per facility for nearly 30 facilities, Winters said.

Frandsen said a corporation board will work on raising money for the project.

Winters said funding could also come from various chapter alumni groups.

“They’re also looking for one company to install all the sprinkler systems at a reduced rate,” Winters said.

He said a possible break on property taxes for greek houses may be in the works, as well.

“[The greek system is] not against the [sprinkler] system installation,” Winters said.

“We want the best safety for our members, but already being strapped for cash; how are we going to come up with the money in five years? We’ll have to try and get creative.”

Scott said, if initiated, he hopes the project will result in a collaborative effort between the fire department and the greek community.

“We look forward to and are very willing to work with the greek community both in identifying problems and looking for solutions,” he said.

Jason Pierce, assistant director in the Office of Student Life at the University of Iowa, said Iowa City fire inspectors are also considering requiring sprinklers in fraternity and sorority houses under an updated building code. The code would also apply to any apartment building that consists of two or more levels.

“It’s a safety issue,” Pierce said. “There have been many accidents in chapters across the country [and] that has prompted the discussion.”

Pierce denied speculation that the high cost to install the sprinklers in all Iowa City greek system houses could cause some of the houses to close. “I don’t think the price of the [sprinkler] systems will close a chapter on the Iowa campus,” he said.

One chapter currently has a sprinkler system installed and others are waiting on a city decision before installation, Pierce said.

“We aren’t spending the money yet,” he said. “We’re waiting to install most of the systems until we see what the requirements are and what the city dictates.”