Federal investigators are still investigating a school fire. But now we have learned that Barnard elementary did not have sprinklers. A high school had taken over the building, with 300 students. Channel 8's Kim Jackson explains why sprinklers were not required.
Investigators are still on scene. It may surprise some parents that Barnard Elementary school did not have a sprinkler system but that is the norm. Most schools don't have sprinklers.
It would have cost 100-thouand dollars to have put a sprinkler system in Barnard Elementary. Built in 1925--sprinklers were not required.
"It's a one story building. It had fire alarms. It had smoke alarms but did not have sprinkler system. Very few one story older buildings will have sprinkler systems," said Bob LaBass of Tulsa Public Schools.
Out of 90-Tulsa Public Schools buildings, only 16 have sprinkler systems. Wilson Middle School underwent major renovations which required a sprinkler upgrade for elementary students, who where moving into the school.
"We practice fire drills, we have to have two. We've already had two the first ten days of school," said Kenneth Joslin. They must have one drill the first two weeks of school, plus monthly drills.
Each school has fire alarms and smoke alarms which are inspected.
New schools, and those with upgrades require sprinklers along with buildings taller than three stories.
But most schools, according to the experts, don't need them.
"One thing, like this probably will never happen again. You know it has never happened before. I mean this school has been sitting here since 1925 and never had a problem," said LaBass.
There is a safety plan in each school. Some buildings have fire escapes, others have fire resistant hallways.
The Wilson system cost 225,000 dollars-- and its in place to save lives.
Tulsa Public Schools says now they will take a look at fire plans and see what, if any changes need to be made.
