Fire Chiefs Call Upon State to Help Save Lives

NYSAFC, whose members recently gathered in Verona, N.Y. for the association’s 108th Annual Conference & FIRE 2014 Expo, called upon Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Legislature, and the New York State Code Council to adopt the International Residential Code without amendment. Adoption of the code would require the installation of residential sprinkler systems in all newly constructed one and two family homes. It would also require sprinkler installation in any one and two family home that is undergoing renovation of more than 50 percent of the residence.

The fire chiefs held a demonstration during the conference showing the effectiveness of residential sprinkler systems in saving lives and reducing damage from fire. During the demonstration two simulated residential rooms were set on fire. One room contained a sprinkler system and the other did not.

According to NYSAFC Executive Director Jerry DeLuca, "Statistics show that the United States has the highest rate of fire deaths of any industrialized country. Approximately 85 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home. Any actions that New York state can take to save the lives of New Yorkers must be a priority. Opponents of sprinkler systems will argue that the cost is too high, but that is not true – how can you put a cost on human life?"

A recent study found that the cost of installation of a sprinkler system in a new home was approximately $1.61 per square foot. In an average home this would be less than $3,000. Modern home construction methods are presenting new challenges to firefighters. Homes are no longer built using timber and nails. Almost all of today’s homes contain composite materials, such as plywood or waferboard, and they are manufactured with highly combustible glues.

Chief Donald Corkery, NYSAFC president said, "Modern construction methods demand the use of modern firefighting methods such as residential sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems not only protect the home and homeowners, but also significantly reduce the potential for death or injury to firefighters. Modern homes burn much hotter and faster than older homes. Sprinklers knock down fire and reduce the levels of heat and toxic smoke that residents and firefighters must contend with."

NYSAFC recently passed a resolution urging the New York State Code Council to adopt the International Residential Code, which is updated every three years by a national consensus process that strikes a balance between the latest technology and new building products, economics, and cost while providing for most recent advances in public and first responder safety. NYSAFC supports a requirement that sprinkler systems be installed in all residences subject to the provisions of the Residential Code of New York State.