Hempfield considers new fire detection systems for township-owned buildings

On the heels of a fire that ravaged the Greensburg public works building and destroyed several thousands of dollars in equipment and vehicles, Hempfield is looking to protect more than $5 million in assets with new fire detection systems.

While supervisors have not made a final decision on what to do, the project will entail a new sprinkler system or improved smoke and heat detectors in the municipal building, public works garage and Hempfield Township Emergency Operations Center — all of which are huddled under one roof.

On Monday, supervisors will vote on spending up to $250,000 and seeking bids from contractors on both options.

“I’m interested in seeing that number (cost), because I think that loss is beyond anyone’s imagination if that happens here,” board chair George Reese said. “If it happens here, we’re done. We’re out of business. That’s the negative about being under one roof. We have to at least go the distance to see what it would cost.”

Estimates presented by township fire Chief Anthony Kovacic for the suppression system approach $130,000, not including an underground line or antifreeze loop that is needed in garage settings. That estimate accounts for roughly 130 sprinklers in the municipal building, 230 in the public works garage and 130 in the emergency management building — which houses a training center, an emergency call center, fire apparatus and a trailer.

Additional heat detectors, including 10 in the public works garage and two in the emergency management building, would cost just under $3,000.

The municipal building, which consists of a 9,600-square-foot office area and 3,500-square-foot meeting room, is protected with smoke detectors in hallways and meeting areas, Kovacic said. Connected to that building is the public works department, which has a 30,000-square-foot garage that houses flammable products such as solvents and lubricants, he said.

The emergency management building houses “common, ordinary combustibles,” Kovacic said, and the second-floor emergency management center.

On Oct. 12, a fire destroyed the Greensburg municipal garage along with three dump trucks, a frontloader, skid steer, street sweeper and pump truck. The building had detection systems installed, Kovacic said. The city received $350,000 in insurance payments as a result of the fire and expects more after appraisals are completed.

Hempfield supervisors also cited a 2017 fire in Unity that destroyed millions of dollars worth of trucks and road department equipment at the township’s public works garage.

“We are almost double the size of those municipalities in our fleet that we have,” said Jason Winters, township manager. “We’ve been able to help them in their time of need, and I know they would help us. … But that would be a lot of help, especially at this time when they have their own needs.”

Supervisor John Silvis said there is no time to waste.

”I think it should get done ASAP — the sooner the better,” he said. “Put a timeline on it and get it done.”