COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- On Wednesday, fire protection specialists and others had the opportunity to witness how mist extinguishes fires.
The demonstration was a collaborative effort involving Maryland Fire-Rescue Institute, Marriott and Hi-Fog manufacturer Marioff.
Three separate fires were set in a house fitted with a water mist protection system.
Unlike traditional sprinklers, the mist system uses a lot less water. The high-pressure mist uses about 3 gpm compared to 16 gpm.
"When the high-pressure system activates, there is less water damage than with a regular system," explained Sonny Scarff, senior director for corporate fire protection at Marriott.
In addition to Marriott properties, other places protected by mist systems include cruise ships, the National Gallery of Art as well as other historic structures around the world.
The mist technology also is considered a plus for firefighter safety.
"One of the 16 Life Safety Initiatives is having sprinklers installed in homes," said R. Wayne Powell, fire/life safety specialist for Marriott.
Marioff officials said retrofitting existing homes and structures with the mist system is less expensive than installing traditional systems.
When firefighters in Jefferson, Md. compared the two systems a few years ago during renovations, they went with the high-pressure mist. That choice saved them more than $100,000.
The supply tanks are located in a closet.
Jim Jaracz, a fire marshal in the Hobart, Ind. Fire Department fire prevention bureau, said he found the demonstration fascinating.
"It was well worth the trip to see this technology. It was good to get a first-hand look at how the mist system operates," he said.
"I think it will make a big difference, and save lives. And, with so little water, the damage also is reduced."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
