BELLINGHAM - City Council has unanimously approved new fire safety code provisions aimed at preventing a reoccurrence of the March 30, 2012, Squalicum Harbor blaze that killed two people.

The new fire safety rules were developed through discussions among Bellingham Fire Department representatives, boaters, boathouse owners and the Port of Bellingham.

Requirements include installation of fire sprinklers inside large, condominium-style boathouses where several people own individual slips, but that requirement will be phased in over five years, Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Boyd told the council.

Smaller, individually owned boathouses will be required to have smoke and heat vents in roofs. The vents are meant to slow the lateral spread of fire from one boathouse to the next, giving firefighters a better chance to get a blaze under control.

The new rules also require upgraded water lines on harbor docks to aid in firefighting.

Reach JOHN STARK at john.stark@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2274.