NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Firefighters said a new code for sprinklers will save lives, but some owners said it will drive away patrons.

Video: Fire Chief Supports New Sprinkler Code

When the Nashville fire chief wanted to show how badly the city needs sprinklers, he turned to a recent Channel 4 I-Team investigation for evidence.

"The citizens of our county expect when we go to their home, if it's on fire, that the hydrant is going to put enough water on it," said Nashville fire chief Steve Halford.

Halford showed the I-Team investigation to members of the Metro Council. The story found hundreds of fire hydrants across the city do not discharge the amount of water needed to adequately fight a fire. As the I-Team found, homes burned completely as a result.

The fire chief showed the story because he is trying to urge the council not to adopt a bill that would do away with a fire code provision that requires sprinklers in new homes built in front of low- flow hydrants.

The I-Team investigation also found home builders associations lobbying the council with letters and e-mails, saying the sprinklers are too costly and could hurt their business.

"We must balance their concerns against the public safety needs of our citizens," said Halford.

The other driving force behind the debate is nightclub owners, who are not fond of the current fire code, since it would require them to equip all of their buildings with sprinklers, even if the buildings aren't in front of a low-flow hydrant.

There are concerns from business owners and the Metro council that costs for the residents and owners could range from $15,000 to $60,000 to install the sprinklers.

The sponsor of the bill tells the I-Team he will likely bring back the bill for discussion after the council has time to digest the presentation from Tuesday night.

The chief's presentation to the committee supporting the measure occurred Tuesday, while those wanting to do away with the sprinkler codes gave their pitch a few weeks ago.