(Columbia-AP) Jan. 29, 2004 - State lawmakers want changes in state law to require more sprinkler systems in public buildings.

Fountain Inn Senator David Thomas says he wants to make sure state schools, hotels, and other public gathering places have sprinkler systems. This after six people died in motel fire in Greenville on Sunday morning.

The motel was not required to have sprinklers because of the age of the building and did not have them. Most public schools have had to have sprinkler systems since 2000.

Senator Thomas says the fatal fire was arson, but Greenville County Sheriff's Sergeant Shea Smith says no information on the cause of the fire has been released. Smith would not confirm or deny Thomas' claim.

The Fountain Inn senator called for tougher fire regulations and incentives for those lodging facilities that have sprinklers. Thomas says tax incentives could be offered to retrofit sprinkler systems for hotels and public gathering places. Thomas says motels can be encouraged to install sprinklers by giving tax deductions.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

updated 7:42am by Chris Rees