NEWRY – Members of Newry’s volunteer fire department are to conduct a public informational hearing on a proposed fire protection ordinance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, in the town office.

Assistant Chief Bruce Pierce said the ordinance establishes rules governing the installation of sprinkler systems for new construction dwellings with more than 2,000 square feet of finished living space within the town.

“First and foremost, this ordinance will help save lives in the event of a fire,” Pierce said.

It will also help reduce property loss in the event of a fire. Pierce also said it is probable that insurance costs to homeowners and business would decrease if the ordinance is passed.

Newry residents may get a copy of the proposed ordinance and additional literature about residential sprinklers at the town office.

Pierce said that with current and future development in Newry, the Fire Department firmly believes that a fire protection ordinance is necessary.

The measure is to go before voters at a special town meeting to be announced by selectmen.

The arduous task to establish the town’s first fire protection ordinance has been frustrating for Pierce.

At one point, according to the Planning Board’s Nov. 17 minutes, he said he was done working on the project after considerable discussion with planners.

At Wednesday night’s board meeting, though, Pierce continued to promote it.

Chairman Joseph Aloisio said the ordinance has a “double standard.”

He said that the ordinance requires any new building more than 2,000 square feet to have sprinklers.

But, when someone with 1,000 square feet adds a small addition, Aloisio said that they’ll have to add a sprinkler system even though their finished living space is less than 2,000 square feet.