Fire chiefs in America have responded angrily to what they see as orchestrated lobbying backed by house building companies to introduce anti-sprinkler legislation across 15 states.
The proposed legislation is designed to prohibit communities from requiring residential sprinklers in all new homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 80% of all fires occur in homes, but when sprinklers are present the chances of dying in them decrease by about 80%. The NFPA says it has no record of a multiple fatality fire in a sprinklered building where the system operated.
"Anti-sprinkler proponents are attempting to deny local jurisdictions the right to decide on critical safety code provisions and if successful, they will put fire fighters and the public at risk," said International Association of Fire Chiefs president, Larry J. Grorud. "These anti-sprinkler bills will set a dangerous precedent."
Chief Grorud went on to say there are now bills in approximately 15 states that ignore the well established, life-safety benefit of sprinklers and if passed, will take away a real opportunity to enhance public and fire fighter safety.
President of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Alan R Shuman, added: "Now is not the time to backslide on fire and life safety. It is important to move this technology forward with the adoption of sprinkler provisions from the model codes into state and local codes, in order to bring this added level of safety to all citizens."
The proposed legislation is designed to prohibit communities from requiring residential sprinklers in all new homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 80% of all fires occur in homes, but when sprinklers are present the chances of dying in them decrease by about 80%. The NFPA says it has no record of a multiple fatality fire in a sprinklered building where the system operated.
"Anti-sprinkler proponents are attempting to deny local jurisdictions the right to decide on critical safety code provisions and if successful, they will put fire fighters and the public at risk," said International Association of Fire Chiefs president, Larry J. Grorud. "These anti-sprinkler bills will set a dangerous precedent."
Chief Grorud went on to say there are now bills in approximately 15 states that ignore the well established, life-safety benefit of sprinklers and if passed, will take away a real opportunity to enhance public and fire fighter safety.
President of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Alan R Shuman, added: "Now is not the time to backslide on fire and life safety. It is important to move this technology forward with the adoption of sprinkler provisions from the model codes into state and local codes, in order to bring this added level of safety to all citizens."
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