RENO -- Some Reno city officials say a second deadly motel fire underscores the need for increased safety measures at residential motels.
One man died in a Sunday blaze at the Savoy Motor Lodge. Fire investigators believe the fire was caused by smoking.
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Authorities said the victim's room had a nonworking smoke detector. The motel owner said the smoke alarm worked when the man rented the second-floor room more than month ago.
The lodge does not have a sprinkler system and isn't required to have one under law.
After 12 people died in a Halloween night arson at the Mizpah Hotel, Reno Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza requested a study to examine the costs of requiring sprinklers and alarm systems in buildings in Reno that are shorter than 55 feet when the building is remodeled or changes ownership.
An updated study will be presented next month to council members, who will decide whether to pursue Sferrazza's recommendation. The proposal would require a change in state law or approval of the state fire safety committee.
Sferrazza said she realizes the improvements would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and does not want to put anyone out of business. She wants to look into reducing insurance rates and a city loan program for businesses that make fire safety improvements.
None of Reno's 155 hotels that are four stories or lower have sprinkler systems, according to a survey presented by Fire Chief Paul Wagner and Fire Marshal Bill Burney.
