All UMass dorms now have fire sprinklers

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - UMass Amherst has the fifth largest on-campus housing community in the country, but more than half of their residence halls were not equipped with sprinklers until now.

The school voluntarily upgraded systems in 31 residence halls (14 already had systems installed.)

The $27 million project began in 2005 and was completed this year.

The State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan told 22News that fire codes are not retroactive, and most of the halls were built before sprinklers were  required. UMass has also upgraded smoke detectors, which now have speakers. Halls will also have brighter exit signs and strobe lights.

Those living at Thoreau House, a residence for freshmen students, told 22News that they feel safer.

“It's right over me, so I feel if anything did happen- I'm a heavy sleeper- if anything did I'd just be covered in water and just head out. I feel a lot people will feel much safer. If anything does go on, it's here to help us,” UMass freshman Tanner Houle said.

Nearly $5 million in state money helped fund the project, the rest was financed by the University.