Langevin pushes for fire sprinklers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin is reviving a bill that would encourage the installation of sprinklers in commercial and large residential buildings, a move that coincides with the 10th anniversary of a 2003 nightclub fire that killed 100 people.

Langevin's office announced Tuesday he plans to introduce the bill when Congress comes back into session next week. The anniversary of the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick is Wednesday.

The legislation would allow the owners of small- and medium-size properties to fully deduct the cost of installing sprinkler systems up to $500,000. Langevin's office says it would cover most high-fire risk properties, such as off-campus housing, nightclubs and assisted living facilities.

Langevin has introduced the legislation several times since the 2003 fire. He says sprinklers save lives.