Prodded by the threat of local fire-code orders, the University of Cincinnati this week agreed to add sprinklers to four temporary buildings on its main campus.

        “In essence and in concept, we have agreed,” UC safety director Eugene Ferrara confirmed Friday.

        He said UC colleagues are calculating costs and construction schedules and he expects to report back to the Cincinnati Fire Department early next year.

        If UC adds sprinklers to the four “membrane-covered” structures, that will resolve Cincinnati's fears for occupants and its firefighters, said Chris Corbett, the city's assistant chief for fire prevention.

        Architects who designed the structures — housing food services, offices and events displaced by building renovation — chose to rely on evacuation rather than fire suppression/sprinklers to protect occupants, Mr. Ferrara said.

        Even so, the Ohio fire marshal sent UC a list of what it said were violations of the state fire code with a Dec. 7 compliance deadline.

        Complaints ranged from improper use of extension cords and questions about the fire resistance of decorations to obstructed passageways and construction details.

        Mr. Ferrara said most items have been resolved and Ohio has given UC until Jan. 7 to finish the work.

        But Cincinnati's Fire Prevention Bureau feared for firefighters' safety in and around the tent-like structures and Mr. Ferrara and Chief Corbett chose to add sprinklers to resolve that issue.

        The only surprise would be unaffordable costs, Mr. Ferrara added, and he and Chief Corbett agreed to meet again if that becomes a problem.

        Their accord affects the food pavilion, two student activities pavilions, and an events pavilion. Mr. Ferrara said the student-government pavilion was exempted because so few people use it at any moment.
       Membrane-covered pavilions are:

        • Two Student Life Pavilions are on Zimmer Plaza between Rieveschl Hall and Baldwin Hall. The north Pavilion is 3,509 square feet, the south Pavilion has 2,507 square feet. Together, they house the Office of Student Organizations and Activities, Wellness and Women's Centers, Ethnic Programs and Services, the Community Service Office and The News Record.

        • Dining Pavilion, with 12,567 square feet, is on Baldwin Quad among Old Chemistry and Baldwin and Swift Halls.

        • Event Pavilion near Campus Green and the Alumni Center has 11,334 square feet. It houses concerts, lectures and other activities.

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