A new fire safety plan in two Illinois communities isn't going over well with business owners. They're being forced to buy what's called a Knox Box.
Kevin Verslius owns East Moline Feed and Pet Supply. He moved his store to Carbon Cliff nine years ago.
"Time for change, time for bigger building and better parking," said Verslius.
However, there's one change he's not willing to make. Most business owners in Carbon Cliff and Barstow got a letter from the fire protection district informing them they would have to buy a Knox Box. It's a system that gives firefighters quick acces to a building during an emergency.
"I was mad, you know. We had no inkling it was coming," said Verslius.
The box costs about $300. They'll be installed outside a business building with a master-key inside.
"To be able to put the key in and open the door instead break the door is an extremely time-saving benefit," said Fire Chief, Mathew Schnepple.
Chief Schnepple says without a Knox Box, fire crews have to bust down a door or break a window to get in. It causes more damage that way and could injure a firefighter. However, business owners say there's another risk.
"Anyone can come along with a sledge hammer and in two minutes have it off the building and from there if they can get it open they have keys to the door, keys to everything," said Verslius.
Chief Schnepple says it's not that easy, "These are a mini vault. I mean there's a reason that it's called the Knox Corporation. It literally is Fort Knox to get into it."
Right now business oweners are still getting used to the idea, saying any changes involving their business should be up to them. Chief Schnepple says making it mandatory makes sense.
"To try to flip open some type of cheat sheet and figure out okay I'm going 123 main Street. Am I opening the door if I see smoke or am I kicking the door down," said Chief Schnepple.
Business owners not in compliance could be fined $300 a day.