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Many W.Va. school kitchens don't meet fire code

August 28, 2008 @ 01:12 PM

Herald-Dispatch.com

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) _ Many of West Virginia's 55 counties need to replace fire suppression systems in their public schools' kitchens to comply with a new standard.

The state fire code now requires a wet gel suppression system for school kitchen stoves. Many counties have older systems that use outdated materials such as dry powder to extinguish fires.

Fire officials say the older systems put out fires but the materials they use are difficult to replace.

Deputy state fire marshal Joe Leake says most counties need to replace their suppression systems but a few have begun the process.

But that process is expensive.

Putnam County spent $55,000 over two years to replace suppression systems in the kichens at its 22 schools.