Sprinklers, Detectors Discussed at NFFF Forum

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – While sprinklers are saving lives across the country, some firefighters still believe they will put them out of business.

That’s simply not the case, Scottsdale, Ariz. Fire Marshal Jim Ford told those attending a Life Safety Conference hosted by National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation.

Scottsdale has actually tripled the number of positions, not reduced them.

Fire marshals, inspectors, building officials and prevention educators are spending the next two days discussing how laws differ around the country.

After hearing about regulations and challenges in various states, the participants will be addressing specific topics such as smoke detectors, residential sprinklers, community risk reduction and codes.

A document will then be produced to address the life safety initiatives.

Maryland was one of the first states to have a law requiring smoke detectors, Fire Marshal Brian Gracie said.

In Prince George’s County, Md., Chief Mark Bashoor noted there have been no fatalities in homes protected by sprinklers.

While the state has continued to pass laws requiring residential sprinklers, there’s a challenge afoot from builders to get legislators to change the most recent law.

Maryland fire officials also would like to see a law banning the sale of detectors operated by nine volt batteries. Often, firefighters find the alarms have been stripped of their batteries.

Educating the public as well as legislators is seen as a priority in all states. Officials spoke of the importance of forming partnerships with stake holders.

Ford pointed out that the department is still responding to the same number of fires, but the losses have been reduced.

He recalled how a sprinkler saved the life of a man who was doused with gas and set on fire.

“That one sprinkler activated, and put him out,” he said, adding that had there not been one, it would definitely been a fatality.