Editorial: Fire sprinklers still a vexing question

While life safety for both occupants and responding fire service personnel are obviously very important considerations, it is equally important that the decision makers not lose sight of the overall cost of providing/maintaining a level of fire protection to the community. As we proceed into the future, does the community want to continue to attempt to fund escalating costs for additional facilities, equipment and personnel or do they want to essentially limit the majority of the cost through the widespread application of properly designed, installed and maintained fire sprinkler systems?

As we continue to increase the responsibilities of the fire service to include homeland security, hazmat, EMT, etc, how do we expect to adequately fund these efforts and still keep taxes under control?

The decision makers need to consider a new approach to community protection that is probably more cost effective.

Should the voters decide through an advisory measure on the ballot?