YORK—
York Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on a new project. The group has built dozens of homes, but this one will be a little different.On January 22, 2009 several rowhomes in the 300-block of Poplar Street went up in flames. Crews say the fire was caused by children playing with a lighter. The burned out block is now getting new life, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.
"On this site, to be able to rebuild a home that will be fire safe and that residents will be able to sleep well at night, knowing that they stand an excellent chance of escaping a fire, it is just a fantastic opportunity in our eyes," said acting Fire Chief Steven Buffington, York City Fire department.
Acting Fire Chief, Steven Buffington, says the project means a lot to his team. The 4 new homes will have advanced fire safety features, including fire walls and sprinklers.
"They can mean the difference between life and death, residential fire sprinklers are a life safety item," said acting Chief Buffington.
Habitat is ahead of the game. Beginning next year, all 1 and 2 family residential dwellings will have to be equipped with sprinkler systems.
"Habitat is going to have to bear the cost just like everyone else, but we do believe in saving lives, saving people's household goods, and pets," said Rosemary Boileau, York Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
Michelle Toomey of York showed up for the groundbreaking ceremony. She was badly hurt in a fire years ago, she says sprinklers may have prevented her injuries.
"Hopefully they will never have to experience the things I've had to experience, not just in losing the material things, but my family almost lost me," said Toomey.
Pennsylvania is the first to adopt a statewide requirement for installing residential sprinklers.
