IRVINE

City officials voted to retain their fire safety standards for high-rise buildings, despite construction industry complaints.

Scott Peotter, a spokesman for the building industry, told council members it is not economical to require special precautions such as fire control rooms, smoke control and fire alarm systems in new buildings 55 feet tall. The added precautions give protection for both firefighters and building occupants, said Assistant Fire Marshal Laura Blaul of the Orange County Fire Authority. The additional safety measures can prevent panic from developing in a building and allow firefighters to more efficiently put out a fire, she said. The council majority agreed with Blaul.