NFSA Podcast #2 Spotlights Those Directly Affected by Fire
Visit Radio@Firehouse.com and join Vina Drennan, Amy Acton, Bonnie Woodruff, Chief Dan Jones, and Chief Ron Siarnicki as they take a look at America's fire problem and explore opportunities to learn from past tragedies.The stories of Vina, Amy and Bonnie bring to life the message that "Fire Sprinklers Save Lives" and highlight the need for cooperation and collaboration in working to affect change on our nations fire problem. Reflections of the fire that claimed the life of Capt. John Drennan in 1994 and the Chapel Hill fire that claimed young Ben Woodruff's life in 1996 bring to the forefront the need for fire sprinklers and what happens when they are not present. Amy Acton explores those who survive the fires....and adds the burn survivor piece to this powerful hour long podcast. Chief Siarnicki makes the connection to the Everyone Goes Home program, Life Safety Initiative #15, and highlights the firefighter aspect of this topic. Chief Dan Jones adds a first-person account of how the fire chief needs to be an advocate too! Click here to access the podcast: http://dynamic.firehouse.com/broadcast/
Firefighters Foundation Receives $1 Million Government Grant
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was awarded a $1 million Fire Prevention and Safety grant. The money, which is provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters grant program, will go toward producing online life safety training classes and DVDs in hopes of reducing line-of-duty deaths. The classes and DVDs are placed in a kit and sent to every fire company in the country. The foundation has also created a program called "Everyone Goes Home," which aims to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries. The program includes 16 initiatives, such as advocacy for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinkler systems.
Sprinkler System Averts Apartment Fire in Sanford, Maine
Firefighters said a sprinkler system saved an apartment building in Sanford, Maine from burning down. The fire at 907 Main St. broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 6th. A tenant started the fire by setting off fireworks inside his third-floor apartment. The sprinklers stopped the fire from spreading before firefighters arrived. The man accused of starting the fire was treated for burns and then taken away by police.
Oliver Sprinkler Celebrates 45 Years as NFSA Members
NFSA Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager Ray Lonabaugh recently visited Oliver Sprinkler Company in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania to award company president, David Oliver with an NFSA 45-year anniversary plaque. Oliver Sprinkler is a family run business started by David’s great-grandfather, Lee Oliver, in 1957. After four generations, Oliver Sprinkler is now one of the largest sprinkler companies in the Philadelphia area.
South Carolina Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto of Sprinkler Bill
The South Carolina House has unanimously overridden Governor Mark Sanford’s veto of a measure encouraging property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. The House voted 109-0 while the Senate applied its membership roll to an override vote without debate. The bill now becomes law and offers property owners installing sprinklers a local property tax credit equal to 25 of the cost of the fire sprinkler system and an additional 25 percent tax credit from the state. The legislation, which also limits to actual costs the tap fees from utilities for sprinkler owners, was filed after a series of tragic fires in the state, including a Greenville hotel fire that killed six, a furniture fire in Charleston last year that killed nine firefighters and a beach house fire in North Carolina last October that killed seven South Carolina college students.
Federal Government Mandates Fire Sprinklers in all Nursing Homes by 2013
The federal government is creating a five-star grading system for nursing homes and will require all nursing homes nationwide to have fire sprinkler systems by 2013. As of today, 80% of nursing homes nationwide have fire sprinklers, 15% have partial fire sprinkler systems. Older nursing homes that have escaped modern regulations that require sprinkler systems to protect residents from fire, will now have to get the systems installed, if they want to continue to serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. These facilities will have a five-year phase-in period to be fully compliant with the new rule.
National Fire Incident Reporting System Self-Study Now Available
The U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy announce the availability of the new National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 5.0 Self Study (Q494) online course. Serving as an introduction to NFIRS 5.0, this self-study course provides an overview of the data collection system, its modules, and data conversion issues. More information and access to this course is available on NFA Online. Additional NFIRS-related training can be found on the USFA Web site.
Read the full story
New Fire Code Passed by New York City Council
New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta joined City Council Speaker Christine Quinn on May 28, 2008 to announce the City Council had approved a new Fire Code for New York City. It replaces the existing code, which is more than 100 years old. The Code is based on the International Fire Code with amendments to address New York’s urban needs. The new code is more modern, comprehensive and accessible. Among the many changes is the new requirement that the code be reviewed every three years, to ensure amendments will be made when necessary. Other changes include requirements for fire apparatus and rooftop access in buildings as well as labeling and color-coding rooftop installations.
NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar a Rousing Success
The NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar, held at the Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas, on May 14-17, was a well-attended, informative, and exhilarating success. With more than 550 of the industry’s top fire sprinkler professionals in attendance, the seminar covered numerous aspects of the fire sprinkler industry through intensive workshops and informative general speaker session. With an elaborate welcome reception, a competitive volleyball tournament and a exuberant party on the beach, the Annual Seminar was host to a variety of ways that attendees could get to know each other, exchange ideas and network. We are proud to proclaim “a good time was had by all.” Use the links below to access the photos from the seminar.
NFSA Annual Seminar Presentations Available Online
Due to great interest from our members, we have made the NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar Presentations available online. The following presentations are available for review: State of the Industry, John Viniello, NFSA, Fire Sprinklers – The State of the Technology, Russ Fleming, NFSA, Economic Outlook, Diane Garnick, Invesco, Sprinkler Reliability and Performance, Dr. John Hall, NFPA, Best Practices for CPVC, Top Myers, Relmark Group, Common Voices Making Waves, Vickie Pritchett.
To access the presentations, click here.
NFSA Partners with Renowned Clothier Brooks Brothers for Corporate Discount
Tired of fighting that seemingly endless traffic to the mall to buy a business suit or perhaps that special gift only to find the only available parking space is closer to your house than the store? Well it’s time to relax. NFSA has partnered with the nationally renowned clothier Brooks Brothers to make shopping for quality, classic design clothing much easier. Now NFSA members can shop online or at any one of Brooks Brothers stores nationwide and receive a 15% discount. Follow the link to register for Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership using NFSA’s identification and PIN #.
Details here!
NFSA Launches “Industry Advancement Fund” Initiative
NFSA has announced the formation of a new fund that will be used toward the advancement of the fire sprinkler concept. The Industry Advancement Fund, as it is called, is open to any and all fire sprinkler industry concerns interested in contributing into a pool of funds that will be dispersed for the promotion of fire sprinkler legislation and organizations whose goals for creating fire safe environments is similar to that of NFSA’s.
View the prospectus Make a contribution
NFSA’s Common Voices Coalition Makes Immediate Impact
In the wake of the North Carolina beach house fire that killed seven college students, the media has rushed to cover the story from every angle. As a result, yesterday a North Carolina ABC News affiliate interviewed Common Voices Coalition Advisory Board member Bonnie Woodruff, who lost her son Ben in a fraternity house fire in 1996. In addition to sharing her personal insights into how one is affected by a fire tragedy, she made very strong statements about the effectiveness of fire sprinklers in saving lives.
View the story here
NFSA Launches “Common Voices” Advocates’ Coalition
NFSA is very proud to announce its sponsorship of an advocates’ organization called Common Voices Coalition. The coalition began to form in February 2007 by bringing together advocates of fire safety who have been affected by fire but have turned tragic events into advocacy by supporting fire sprinklers.
View the press release View the introductory video
Sprinklerman™© Coloring Contest Entry Deadline Approaching
The NFSA Sprinklerman™© coloring contest is underway and contestants are reminded to get their entries in by next Wednesday, October 31. Winners in each age group will be notified by November 30, 2007 and announced in the December issue of GrassRoots and here at the NFSA website. Each winner will be awarded a $50.00 US Savings Bond. View Official Rules or Contest Form.
New Fire Codes Drafted in Montgomery County, Texas include Sprinklers
Montgomery County, Texas commissioners asked Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams to draft a fire code for commercial structures in unincorporated areas of the county. If adopted by commissioners, the fire code is expected to go into effect Jan. 1, 2008. Williams recommended making the 2006 International Fire Code, already used in buildings around the county, apply to unincorporated areas in Montgomery County as well. Williams said a fire code will help protect the patrons and employees of the more than 1,000 businesses, health care facilities and schools expected to move into Montgomery County in 2008. If the codes are adopted, fire sprinkler systems will be required in all commercial or public-use buildings and multi-family residential buildings with four or more families.
Sprinkler Save at Windsor, Connecticut Hotel
A fire broke out inside a closet in a first-floor room of the Windsor Town House Hotel in Windsor, Connecticut, on Wednesday, October 17. Workers were forced to close the hotel for about an hour and all guests were evacuated Windsor firefighters responded just after 7:30 a.m. but found that a sprinkler inside the closet had already doused the flames.
The woman occupying the room had left for work about 30 minutes before the fire started. Although the cause of the fire hasn't been determined it appears to have been accidental. Because the sprinkler had already doused the flames, once firefighters cleared the debris and performed safety checks, guests were allowed back into the hotel.
Sprinkler Saves Historic Building in White River Junction
A sprinkler system extinguished an arson fire in the basement of the historic, downtown Gates-Briggs Building in White River Junction, Vermont. The fire had begun to attack the structural timbers in the basement, which activated the sprinkler. Without a sprinkler system in place, it is almost certain the entire building and possibly several adjacent buildings would have been destroyed. The suspect or suspects had set fires in several locations in the building's basement. The Gates-Briggs Building makes up half of the main block in downtown White River Junction.
Automatic Sprinklers Save Nebraska Apartment Building, Tenants Lives
An early Monday morning fire in a first floor apartment of a five-storey Omaha apartment building was held in check by the automatic fire sprinkler system. While the fire damaged the apartment of origin, it was held under control until firefighters arrived on the scene to safely extinguish the flames. About 30 tenants were evacuated without injury.
NIST Study Shows Homeowner’s Gain with Installation of Fire Sprinkler System
A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that for new home construction, a multipurpose network sprinkler system that connects to a house's regular water supply and piping makes good economic sense. NIST's Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems report, released last month, examines data from 2002 to 2005 to value the economic performance of a residential "wet-pipe" fire sprinkler system. The study builds on a prior cost analysis developed by NIST’s Building and Fire Research Laboratory and offers a current analysis of the economics of residential fire sprinkler technology.
Read full story View NFSA Response
Fox & Friends to Record Fire Prevention Week Media Event
NFSA and the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a burn demonstration media event tomorrow, Friday, October 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Bergen County fire training academy in Mahwah, New Jersey. Fox & Friends will be there recording the event for broadcast while NFSA Director of Communications David Vandeyar will be on hand to provide interviews promoting the fire sprinkler concept.
NFSA, NJFSAB Fire Prevention Week Media Event Postponed
The Fire Prevention Week media event sponsored by NFSA and the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board scheduled for today, Wednesday, October 10th has been postponed due to inclement weather. The event has tentatively been rescheduled for Friday, October, 12th. Details will be posted as they become available.
NFSA and NJFSAB Collaborate on FPW Media Event
NFSA and the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board are collaborating to sponsor a media event for National Fire Prevention Week. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Jersey City, New Jersey and will feature a side by side burn demonstration after which NFSA Executive Vice President Russell Fleming will provide one-on-one interviews to the local media. Details here
NFSA President Viniello Interviewed on WABC News
National Fire Prevention Week began this Sunday, October 7 and kicking off the week’s activities, NFSA President John Viniello was interviewed by WABC in New York City. The spot aired live on Eyewitness News at 7:15 a.m. EST on Sunday morning. Local ABC affiliates across the country were notified and were expected to televise the interview. Follow the link below, scroll down under ABC’s video screen to “National Fire Prevention” and click to see the actual interview.
View the interview here
NFSA Endorses GE Fleet Management Services Program
NFSA is pleased to announce it has partnered with GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services to provide its members with customized vehicle procurement and management services. With the endorsement of this program, NFSA members now have a valuable, cost-effective resource for all their fleet management requirements from vehicle leasing to comprehensive service programs. Click here for program details or contact GE’s NFSA program account representatives Katie Johnson (Katie.Johnson@ge.com) or Andrew Boyum at (Andrew.Boyum@ge.com) for more information.
NFSA Introduces “Take the 29 Leap” Supplier Membership Campaign
With 2008 being a leap year, NFSA is celebrating by giving “29” incentives to new supplier and manufacturer (SAM) members. That’s right “29” incentives as in 29 days in leap year Februarys. Between now and February 29, 2008, any company joining NFSA as a SAM member can take advantage of a 29% discount on annual dues and a 29% discount on advertising in SQ, NFSA’s four-color journal.
Read the details here or download the application here
It’s Time Again for the Sprinklerman™© Coloring Contest!
Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2007 and to celebrate, NFSA is having a Sprinklerman™© coloring contest. Entries will be separated into four categories based on age: 3-4, 5-7, 8-9 and 10-12. The prize for each category will be a $50 US Savings Bond. Entries must be received by October 31, 2007. Winners will be notified by November 30, 2007 and announced in the December issue of GrassRoots and here at the NFSA website.
View Official Rules or Contest Form
New Jersey High-rise Retrofit Press Conference Draws Media Attention
Yesterday NFSA participated with the New Jersey Fire Protection & Prevention Association and the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board in a side-by-side burn demonstration and press conference to pledge support for proposed regulations that will require all high-rises in N.J. to be retrofit with fire sprinklers. NFSA Executive Vice President Russ Fleming addressed the gathering and was interviewed by several New York City-area television and newspaper reporters on the benefits of fire sprinklers and the positive impact of the proposed code change on lives, property and the industry.
Special recognition goes out to Vina Drennan representing the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Vinny Fichera of the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board and Kent Mezaros, long-time NFSA member from Quick Response Fire Protection, for helping make this event a success.
View the video here
NFSA Schedules Layout Technician Training Class
NFSA has scheduled its acclaimed two-week Layout Technician Training Class for dates in New York and Colorado. The course is designed to take a person with basic knowledge of math, physical science and drafting skills and teach them to be productive basic sprinkler layout technicians. All of the work elements necessary for NICET Level II Certification will be covered by the course.
Click here for the brochure or here to register
New Jersey Proposes High-rise Retrofit Legislation
The state of New Jersey has proposed legislation that if passed would require fire sprinkler retrofit in high-rise buildings. In support of the proposed legislation, a press conference has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 19 at the Middlesex Fire Academy. Featured guest speakers will include State Fire Marshal Larry Petrillo, Vina Drennan of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and NFSA Executive Vice President, Russell Fleming, P.E.
Read the release
USC Makes No Interest Loans Available to Greeks
The University of Southern California is offering zero-interest loans to Greek organizations as an incentive to upgrade fire safety equipment in their houses. Most of the USC-owned Greek residential buildings have been updated with fire safety systems through a program the university began 10 years ago, but renovations to privately owned Greek houses were not covered. Any Greek house that is affiliated with the school and recognized by USC qualifies for the $300,000 loan program. Since last spring when the program was introduced, four Panhellenic Council sorority chapters have already secured a loan through the program: Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Chi Omega and Gamma Phi Beta. Others are in the planning process.
Read the full story
Brookfield, Illinois Fire Department Awarded Grant
Last week the Brookfield Fire Department was awarded a $103,516 grant from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. The bulk of the grant will go toward installing automatic sprinkler systems at both of the village's fire stations. The village currently does not have an ordinance requiring sprinklers for any structures, but fire officials there who would like to look into crafting an ordinance thought they would lead by example and sprinkler the fire houses first.
Read the full story
University of Nebraska Approves Fire Sprinkler Policy
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved a policy that will require fire sprinklers not just in residence halls, but also university sanctioned fraternity and sorority houses within the next decade.
The decision was prompted by a fire in a fraternity house last year near the Nebraska Wesleyan University campus that killed a 19-year-old student.
University of Alabama Loan Program Benefits Greek Housing
A short time after the August 2004 fire at Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Mississippi killed three students, the President of the University of Alabama announced a program to make low interest loans available to Greek houses to upgrade safety, including the installation of automatic fire sprinklers. Since then, nine fraternities and one sorority have borrowed from the program. More are in the works.
Full Story here
Turning Tragedy into Advocacy
On Mother’s Day 1996, Bonnie Woodruff suffered any parent’s worst nightmare. She lost her son Ben in a fraternity house fire at the University of North Carolina. The 69-year-old fraternity house did not have automatic fire sprinklers. Follow the link to see how she turned this unthinkable tragedy into fire safety advocacy.
Visit the website here
September is Campus Fire Safety Month
September is Campus Fire Safety Month and Campus Firewatch is partnering with the Ohio Fire Safety Coalition for a national kick-off program on Wednesday, September 12 at Kent State University. Scheduled events will include sprinkler trailer demonstrations and burning mockups of student rooms.
Son of Former NFSA President Raymond Casey Passes Away
Richard “Dick” Casey son of former NFSA President Ray Casey passed away on the evening of August 28th following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Many NFSA members will remember Dick, who attended NFSA annual seminars in the 60’s and 70’s. Dick and his wife Pat were living in Raleigh, NC. He is survived by 4 children and 17 grandchildren.
Interment arrangements
Thinking Green? Think Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Chloride and Nitrogen Oxide are all atmosphere- damaging by-products of fire. Ed Comeau, editor of the newsletter Campus Firewatch has developed a new animation that may get people thinking about automatic fire sprinklers as “green” – as in, good for the planet, good for your health. Follow the link to two downloadable versions.
View animation here
Sprinklerman® Coloring Books Available for Fire Prevention Week
NFSA is pleased to announce that it is accepting orders for Sprinklerman® coloring books for use during National Fire Prevention Week, October 7 – 13. Sprinklerman® coloring books are a great way to get your company’s name out and spread the fire sprinkler message at fire department open houses, school events and other functions held during fire prevention week. To ensure delivery by October 1, all orders must be made by September 4.
Order Form
Sprinkler Save at Marriott Resort in Tucson
A fire over the weekend at the Starr Pass Marriott Resort in Tucson, Arizona forced the evacuation of 600 guests. Fire officials investigating the scene believe the fire started by spontaneous combustion, burning three linen carts in a storage room. The fire sprinkler system operated as designed, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the source allowing guests to return to their rooms the same day.
Former NFSA Industry Spokesperson Writes Book, To Donate Proceeds
Richard “Digger” Phelps, former basketball coach at Notre Dame and NFSA spokesperson now ESPN expert analyst, has written a book entitled, Undertaker’s Son: Life Lessons from a Coach. Digger grew up in Beacon, NY not far from where NFSA headquarters is now located. References in the book include mention of twin brothers John and Mario Viniello. Proceeds will go to the Gulf Coast Homebuilding Project to aid victims of hurricane Katrina. Homes are expected to be fire sprinkler protected.
Book details & ordering here
CPSC Press Conference Broadens Campus Fire Safety Awareness
A press conference held yesterday by the Consumer Products Safety Commission at the University of Maryland sought to bring awareness to a serious problem at institutions of higher learning – student fire deaths. The event was covered by a large number of media including AP, CNN and USA Today. Since January 2000 there have been 113 campus-related fire deaths. 2006-07 was the most fatal academic year on record, with 20 fire deaths.
Read more
Partnership to Expand Fire Sprinkler Presence at Fire Rescue International
The International Association of Fire Chiefs annual show, Fire-Rescue International, begins this week in Atlanta and NFSA has partnered with other fire safety organizations to spread the fire sprinkler message. In an expanded booth space this year, NFSA has teamed up with Fire Team USA, Home Safety Council, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and Phoenix Society to spread the word about the important role residential fire sprinklers play in preventing serious burns and tragic loss of life. The show runs August 23 – 25.
New Home Burns, Kills 3
Contrary to what anyone says, new homes do burn. A fire in a new, 6,400 sq ft waterfront home killed 3 over the weekend. Fire officials have not confirmed the cause of the blaze, but did say the house was not protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system. Unfortunately, the house was built just outside the town of St. Michaels, Maryland, where all new homes are required to have life-saving fire sprinkler systems.
Fire Sprinkler System Credited with Furniture Factory Save
A fire in a Holland, Michigan furniture factory was held in check by an automatic fire sprinkler system until firefighters arrived on the scene. A local fire official stated that the fire sprinklers helped contain the fire and that it could have been a lot worse. The company, which employs 150, was closed only briefly while the fire sprinkler systems was reset for operation. A representative of the manufacturer said the fire was not expected to slow production.
Sprinkler Save at Downtown Chattanooga Tennessee Hotel
A fire at a downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee hotel on Saturday, August 11, 2007 caused the evacuation of about 40 people. Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman Bruce Garner stated that the blaze was contained to one room on the fourth floor of the Marriott Residence Inn. A sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to the room where it began. Firefighters were then able to put it out in just three or four minutes.
Most people were allowed back in their rooms after the fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar Room Block Open at Atlantis
NFSA is pleased to announce the opening of its room block for reservations at Atlantis, site of the 2008 Annual Seminar. Atlantis, located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is purported to be one of the finest family-oriented resort properties in the world. Surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, this promises to be a most memorable experience.
Hotel reservation form available here!
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Launches Sprinkler Smarts Website
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has launched a new interactive website called Sprinkler Smarts. Targeted toward children, Sprinkler Smarts is an animated web site offering interactive games for children while also providing teaching materials to help public educators, teachers, and parents educate children. Fire safety officials can use worksheets offered on the website as well as other downloadable material in collaboration with the presentations and games. These materials help children understand fire safety and prevention as well as identify fire sprinklers and their benefits through an entertaining form of education.
Details here
TFSCA Fall Fling Set for Pigeon Forge
The Tennessee Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association – a Chapter of NFSA will be hosting its Fall Fling September 20 – 22, 2007 at the Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Golf and an excellent speaker program have been scheduled for the 3-day annual event. Room reservations can be made directly with the hotel by calling 888.428.8350. For more information, contact NFSA Southeast Regional Manager Wayne Waggoner at Waggoner@nfsa.org.
Fire Destroys Historic Library at Prep School
In the town famed for its legend of Sleepy Hollow, a weekend fire destroyed the 1903 library at Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, just a short drive from NFSA headquarters. The school lost its entire 33,000 volume collection and a technology lab in the blaze. While other buildings on the century-old campus were protected with automatic fire sprinklers, the library was not. A school official said plans to rebuild the library will include fire sprinklers.
College Fire Safety Bill to Require Data Sharing
As college students head back to campus, Congress is poised to pass legislation that would require universities and colleges to make fire safety information available to students and parents.
The Senate recently passed the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act that when enacted will require colleges and universities to make it easy for parents and students to learn about the institutions' protocol and policies regarding fire safety. Passage of the legislation comes as the 2006-2007 academic year ended with the deadliest school year by fire of college students.
Wesleyan University Sued Over Fraternity Fire Death
The parents of a student who died last year in a fraternity house fire have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Nebraska Wesleyan University and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. The fraternity house did not have a fire sprinkler system because none was required when it was constructed nearly 80 years ago. Since the fire, fire sprinkler systems have been installed in buildings across campus.
First Sprinkler Save in Streamwood Home
An electrical appliance malfunction sparked a fire in a Streamwood, Illinois home. The fire activated the residential fire sprinkler system, containing the blaze to the room of origin. The fire was Streamwood’s first in a house with fire sprinklers since a 2002 ordinance required them in all new houses.
Fire Sprinklers Check Fire in Florida Hotel
Firefighters responding to a fire at the Bayside Inn in Fort Walton Beach, Florida said that the fire was kept in check by an automatic fire sprinkler system. Fire officials estimated fire damage at about $1,500. There were no injuries and the hotel remained open for business.
SQ Sep/Oct Issue to Feature Vegas Annual Seminar Wrap-up
The long awaited NFSA 2007 Annual Seminar & Exhibition post seminar review is in production and will be featured in the September/October issue of SQ magazine, the fire sprinkler industry’s oldest and most respected publication. The seminar wrap-up includes a summary of the industry’s first Top Tech competition along with a photo essay.|
Full Story Here
NFSA Area 2 Regional Seminar a Success
NFSA Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager Ray Lonabaugh reports that the NFSA Area 2 Regional Seminar held July 11 – 14 in Hershey, Pennsylvania was a tremendous success. Included in the programming were presentations from NFSA Executive Vice President, Russell Fleming, P.E., and Vice President of Engineering, Ken Isman, P.E. Ken’s presentation reviewed several problems with the NFPA 13-2002 edition and how they were corrected in the 2007 edition. Russ’ presentation was on seismic restraints. Both programs were very well received. In fact, one member said … with the delivery these guys use, they could make a presentation on watching paint dry interesting.
Reminder! Passport Requirements
The NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar is scheduled for May 14 – 17 at Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Members interested in attending are reminded that a valid passport is required for travel to the Bahamas. Anyone who needs to apply for a new passport should do so immediately as new applications could take up to 6 months to process. Renewals could take several weeks. For detailed information about the process, follow the “Passport Requirements” link under the Atlantis photo at right.
NFSA EOD Now Stands for “Expert of the Day"
In 2003, NFSA made the commitment to having a member of the Engineering Department “on call” during the business day to answer technical questions from the membership. The title “Engineer of the Day” was assigned to that person and the name caught on. Now, to more accurately describe that individual, who is an expert on fire sprinkler systems, NFSA is changing the name to “Expert of the Day.” Same acronym – EOD, same great service.
Full Story Here
Associated Press Interviews NFSA President Viniello
Over the past weekend, NFSA President John Viniello was interviewed by the Associated Press and The Sun News who were writing articles in follow-up to recent fatal fires including the one at a Charleston, SC furniture store warehouse that killed nine firefighters. The Associated Press article was picked up by the StarNewsOnline.com. Another article was published by The Sun News.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com
Home Safety Council Virtual Safe Home Funded by NFSA to Feature Fire Sprinklers
Due in large part to funding
by NFSA and the Sprinkler Manufacturers Industry Fund, the Home Safety Council (HSC)
will be unveiling an innovative new home injury prevention educational tool for
families this fall. MySafeHome.org will use state-of-the-art digital motion
graphics animation to bring home safety to life for virtually anyone who has
access to a computer -- at no cost to them. Full Story Here
Investigation into Charleston Furniture Warehouse Fire Continues
It’s been just over a month since a fire killed 9 firefighters in a Charleston, South Carolina furniture store warehouse. Since then there’s been much speculation about what happened, why it happened and what needs to happen to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again. The National Institute for Safety and Technology (NIST) is one of the federal agencies investigating. Their investigation could use real and computer-generated models to help determine what happened and take up to six months to complete.
Illinois Village Board May Scrap Sprinkler OrdinanceIt’s been just over a month since a fire killed 9 firefighters in a Charleston, South Carolina furniture store warehouse. Since then there’s been much speculation about what happened, why it happened and what needs to happen to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again. The National Institute for Safety and Technology (NIST) is one of the federal agencies investigating. Their investigation could use real and computer-generated models to help determine what happened and take up to six months to complete.
The Huntley, IL village board may scrap an ordinance that requires all new homes in the village to have fire sprinklers. Costs of installing and maintaining sprinklers as well as the fact that few nearby towns have sprinkler requirements have been stated as reasons for the reconsideration.
NFSA Endorses Inaugural Michael Minger Memorial Golf Classic
Seven years ago, following the death of her son Michael in a college dormitory fire, Gail Minger has been an advocate for fire sprinkler protection in student housing. To support continued advocacy of fire safety in student housing and to honor Michael’s memory, the Minger family has established the non-profit Michael’s Foundation. Its first fundraising event will held on September 10, 2007 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Kentucky. NFSA members are urged to support this most worthy event.
Full Story Here
City Considers Sprinkler Incentive to Protect Historic District
To protect its quaint, historic district from conflagration, the small but progressive city of Grapevine, Texas is considering a fire sprinkler incentive plan that would prompt property owners to voluntarily retrofit their buildings with fire sprinklers. The estimated $1.6 million dollar project would make low-interest loans available to building owners so the work could be done all at one time. The city would pay for connections to the city water.
Full Story Here
Greenville, SC Hotel Fire Deaths’ Trial Begins Today
A federal death penalty trial begins today in Greenville, South Carolina and the focus is on fire sprinkler safety. Before reopening as a Comfort Inn in October 2003, the 15-year-old hotel in Greenville underwent a $600,000 face-lift that included new amenities but no fire sprinklers. That decision would prove fatal just four months later. Six guests, including a 15-month-old boy, died in a January 25, 2004 arson.
Full Story Here
Fire Sprinkler Debate Continues in Wisconsin
Last week the fire sprinkler debate in Green Bay, Wisconsin reached the pages of a local newspaper. It seems that a local fire official’s comments about builders’ organizations opposing fire sprinklers on cost prompted a response from the Wisconsin builders’ associations that they don’t oppose sprinklers on cost, but circumvention of the legislative process.
Follow this link to an ironic twist to the story
NFSA New Reference Book into Second Printing
NFSA’s new reference book, Layout, Detailing and Calculation of Fire Sprinkler Systems, has been a runaway success. The first printing sold out in only nine weeks. With more than 700 pages of information, this is the most complete text ever written for the fire sprinkler engineering technician. The second printing has arrived and orders are being filled. Use the below link to order today before they are all gone.Download order form here
New York City to Overhaul Dated Building Code
For the first time since 1968, the New York City building code will undergo a comprehensive overhaul. Included in the new code scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2008 are requirements for fire sprinklers in new residential buildings with 3 or more units and one- and two-family homes over 3 stories. Also, student dormitories will be classified similar to hotels to better protect occupants with fire protection features including fire sprinklers. More details here
Water Purveyors Guide Now Available
Our public water distribution network is one of the most reliable and most commonly used sources of water for fire sprinkler systems. With six model codes now recommending the installation of sprinklers in homes, NFSA has recognized the technical importance and challenges of providing an approved water supply. NFSA now has a Water Purveyor’s Guide to assist them in preparing policies for the expansion in the number of sprinklered homes in their jurisdictions.
View the document here
American Institute of Architects
and NFSA Partner to Present Sprinkler Advantage Programs
Over
the last 5 years as part of that mission NFSA has delivered over 150 no cost
seminars to architectural students at 44 universities in 22 states. These
seminars have been so well accepted they have become part of the annual
curriculum wherever presented. The seminars contain highlights of the full
Design Advantage Seminars delivered to practicing architects nationwide for over
10 years.
Last
year, the contracted rate for the Design Advantage seminars was $3000.00 plus
the cost of the textbooks. This year, due to the receipt of a very generous
grant to promote fire protection, NFSA
can offer this seminar at no charge to AIA Chapters. It
is being offered on a very limited basis so early scheduling is a must.
The same program is also available for colleges or
universities and can be customized in length to accommodate the availability of
time within the school and instructor's schedule.
For additional information or to check for available dates Gene B. Endthoff at Endthoff@NFSA.ORG or by phone 914-414-3334.
IAFC
and NFSA Partners Issuing Guide for Adoption of Residential Sprinkler Mandates
The International Association of Fire
Chiefs and the NFSA announced that they are making available a document
titled "Residential Fire Sprinklers...A Step-by-Step Approach for Communities."
As noted by IAFC President, Chief Randy Breugman, the guide will be available
on the web sites of both organizations for easy access by the nation's
fire chiefs.
The document is structured in four booklets covering Planning and Research, Preparation, Presentation and Adoption, and Customer Service and Maintenance, Challenges and Appeals. The NFSA is indebted to the IAFC for their support of the project and to consultant Steve Hart and NFSA Director of Public Fire Protection, Jim Dalton, who worked many long hours to bring this project to completion.
Obtain the Document
Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and Money . . . The Economics of Retrofit
Fire sprinkler systems have been required for years by local codes and ordinances because they provide relatively simple, extremely reliable, affordable fire protection. But because they have been mandated by law, many building owners, architects and specifying engineers see them as an "extra" in construction. They sometimes go to great lengths to avoid sprinkler protection.
In reality, sprinklers not only provide excellent fire protection, they also represent an excellent investment opportunity for building owners. This paper will look at sprinklers from a purely monetary perspective.
Obtain the document here
Residential Fire Sprinkler White Paper
Buddy Dewar, NFSA's Director of Regional Operations, has prepared a "must read" paper on the economic and insurance perspectives of installing automatic fire sprinklers for life safety. The entire paper is available on his page in the Department Section in PDF format. If you want to have all the facts that support the need for residential fire sprinklers, this document is invaluable. If you are merely considering them for your own home, you cannot afford to miss reading Buddy's paper.
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