By FireRescue1 Staff
WASHINGTON — The United States Fire Administration is pushing for firefighters to take an active role as states consider legislation that would prohibit fire sprinkler requirements for new homes.
“I encourage every member of the fire service to stay abreast of this rapidly changing situation, and to be ready to voice any concerns that you have about proposed legislation to your respective state legislature,” USFA Acting Assistant Administrator Glenn A. Gaines said in a statement released Thursday.
With the endorsement of the USFA, the International Residential Code was changed in September 2008 to require fire sprinklers in all new construction, including residential homes.
“This code change survived rigorous scrutiny, during which all interested parties had ample opportunity to comment on the technical merits of the issue,” Gaines said.
Opponents of the IRC change — led by the National Association of Home Builders — have since introduced state legislation hoping to block such requirements.
According to Gaines’ statement, More than 30 years of research has demonstrated residential fire sprinklers can save the lives of building occupants and firefighters, significantly offset the risk of premature building collapse posed by lightweight construction, and substantially reduce property loss caused by fire.
“The time has come to use this affordable, simple and effective technology to save lives and property where it matters most — in our homes,” he said.
Firefighters can access the Fire Sprinkler Initiative website as a central clearing house for up-to-date information, the statement said.
“Stay vigilant and keep the fire service community informed of developments in your area. Only by working together can we save lives,” Gaines said.