NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative

Important information - Model response to sprinkler opposition

The fight for fire sprinkler requirements in one- and two-family homes and townhomes rages on. It is very important to be prepared to answer whatever questions are asked during code or legislative hearings and to dispel myths.

This post will provide answers to many questions and clears up misinformation most recently raised by the opposition.

We also need your help identifying other issues raised by opponents. Please remain vigilant and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Home fire is a major problem in the U.S.

Fire in the home poses one of the biggest threats to the people in every community. Nearly 3,000 people per year die in U.S. home fires. Congressional hearings have been scheduled and pandemics have been declared on the basis of much smaller death tolls than the home fire death toll in one year.  Clearly, most people do not believe that we are safe enough or that current death tolls from home fires are acceptable.

NFPA Journal Cover Story: Lightweight Construction

The current issue of NFPA Journal includes as its cover story a very interesting article highlighting the recent studies on lightweight construction and the dangers it poses to firefighters.

From the article: "It’s not lightweight construction. It's what happens when lightweight construction meets fire.Two recent studies detail the relationship between fire and engineered wood construction assemblies—notably, that they burn quicker and fail faster than their dimensional lumber counterparts. What do the findings mean for the fire service, builders, consumers, and NFPA codes?"

Several incidents of firefighter deaths in structures built with lightweight construction are featured. The article posits that: "Such incidents have fueled a growing concern for the fire service and pose a significant challenge to the code community. In recent decades, an expanding range of construction methods and building products, particularly wooden truss roofing systems and wood I-joists that together are often termed "lightweight construction," have been widely embraced by residential builders for their ability to deliver economy and functionality."

The trend for the use of lightweight construction is here to stay as a great number of new construction around the country is built entirely of lightweight structures; as much as 65 percent according to the wood truss industry.

The article is a must read and includes very important information. This discussion must be brought up anytime there is talk and/or action directed towards the removal of the residential sprinkler requirement from the code.

Maria Figueroa