York County Jail fire suppression system likely to be very expensive

​YORK – The installation of a fire suppression system in the York County Jail is likely going to be very expensive, says Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier.

​This project started when the state fire marshal’s office said no more expansions can ever take place at the York County Courthouse, in any shape or form, until a fire suppression system is installed in the jail.
The jail was built in the 1980s, when the courthouse was constructed, in a time when fire suppression systems weren’t required. The jail has remained “grandfathered in” – until now.
The commissioners contracted Davis Design, who has done work at the courthouse before, to design the project.
Fire suppression systems are expensive in and of themselves. But this system will be more expensive because of the tedious considerations to be made because it is a jail.
Security issues have to be considered and there is the issue with the fact people are incarcerated there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Obermier explained how the sprinkler system will have to be built in a way where inmates cannot have access to the sprinkler heads and the ceiling has to be created in a way to ensure inmate security.
“We are just about ready to put out for bids,” Obermier said.
As the job will soon be put out for bid, the estimated cost will not be published. But it should be noted it will come with a six-figure price tag.
“Yes, this is a big number and it is very expensive, but we have to remember we can do no more expansions or that type of thing at the courthouse until this project is completed,” Obermier said. “That’s where we are.”