Residential sprinkler mandate takes effect in Jan.

A new state requirement for the home building industry was published this week in Minnesota.

It means a sprinkler system is required for new houses larger than 4,500 square feet beginning in January.

Eden Prairie Fire Chief George Esbensen says houses today are built with lighter materials and include more synthetics than older homes. He says the materials burn like gas or petroleum when ignited. Firefighters have overwhelmingly supported the rule.

But, Builders Association of the Twin Cities executive director David Seigel tells WCCO-TV new homes are safe, given other current fire precaution codes. Seigel says the requirement won't necessarily save lives, but will cost builders $9,000 to $20,000 a home.