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."
