New Haven fire chiefs warn state code allowing single-stair exits up to six stories could raise life‑safety risks

Fire department leaders told the City of New Haven Public Safety Committee on Sept. 16, 2025, they oppose a proposed change to the state residential fire code that would permit some multi‑story apartment buildings to rely on a single exit stairway. They urged officials to press state lawmakers and to publicize concerns before an open hearing.

The chiefs said the proposed appendix language would allow single‑stair egress in R‑2 residential buildings “up to 6 stories,” a change they said could leave residents and firefighters with fewer escape and access routes in a fire. "they are allowing that up to 6 stories," Fire Chief John Olsen said during the committee meeting.

The change matters, the chiefs said, because firefighters and code officials cannot predict where a fire will start inside a building — in a bedroom, hallway, living room or a common area — and a single stair can become a choke point. "The current code allows for 2 means of egress," Chief Olsen said, citing the present R‑2 standard. Assistant Chief Harris Samuel and Assistant Chief Diaz Hoffman reiterated operational concerns about limited access for ladder trucks, the effect of hoarded common areas and the difficulty of annual inspections if buildings no longer visibly show which units have single egress.

Chiefs highlighted three specific problems: reduced resident escape options, greater hazard when common areas are obstructed by strollers or stored items, and operational constraints for fire crews. "If you're limiting the egress for people trying to vacate the building, you're also limiting our access to the building," one assistant chief said, adding that crowding in hallways slows firefighters and increases risk because "fire triples in size every 15 seconds."

The chiefs said municipal resources differ across Connecticut and that not every city has the aerial apparatus, staffing or water supply to respond to fires in taller, lightweight‑constructed buildings. They urged either removing the appendix or allowing municipalities to opt out, and said they would present their concerns at the state’s public hearing. "Once that occurs, then it is up to us to push our delegation," Chief Olsen said.

Committee members asked about public outreach. The chiefs said they will coordinate messaging through the mayor’s office and community management teams and provide flyers and presentations for tenant and neighborhood groups. They also described planned fire‑prevention outreach tied to Fire Prevention Week and offered to distribute draft materials to the committee for feedback.

Fire officials raised related operational topics: the department’s capacity for annual multifamily inspections, the problem of hoarding in units and common areas that can entrap residents or trap firefighters, and the need for residents to maintain working smoke detectors. "We just want them to keep it safely so that we can get in and get out," Chief Olsen said describing outreach goals.

This was a discussion and information presentation; no formal action or vote on the code change occurred at the committee meeting. The chiefs said they will testify at the state’s open hearing and continue coordination with municipal leaders and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs organizations.

For now, the committee asked staff to accept the chiefs’ materials for distribution and to stay apprised of the state hearing schedule.