The roads signs in Lake Jackson show you how to go this way and that way. But now, this town is heading in an entirely new direction when it comes to fighting fires.

A new law here, if passed, would require sprinkler systems installed in all new single family homes starting January of 2009. It’s one of the few Texas communities to have such a law on the books.

“So far it looks like we’re on the right track and I hope we get some people to follow us,” said Lake Jackson Fire Marshal Randy Crim.

In a demonstration, the fire marshal showed the difference sprinklers make in preventing a house fire from becoming huge.

Fire officials set two rooms on fire. In the first without sprinklers, the flames, smoke, and heat are deadly within a minute and a half.

But in an identical room with sprinklers, the fire is out before it can kill.

In fact they are so serious about sprinklers and sprinkler education here in Lake Jackson that they are taking this sprinkler show on the road.

FEMA helped pay for the city’s sprinkler demonstration trailer.

But some homebuilders question if home buyers will want to pay the extra $1.50 per square foot for sprinkler systems.

“I just don't know how we can put a money value on a life and if this can save a life I think it's a great idea,” said Fire Chief Mike Harper.

So does the mayor, who went to the city's last fatal fire in February and saw the victim

“That's enough for me. That's enough to convince me this is a good thing,” said Mayor Bob Sipple.

The final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for the end of this month.