The National Association of Home Builders is orchestrating a major opposition campaign against firefighters and the fire service. Their plan is to defeat the need for fire sprinkler systems as outlined below.
They have even created a residential sprinkler action kit - which has been interpreted as an "anti-firefighter" tool - to help their members OPPOSE mandatory fire sprinklers. Check it out for yourself at here.
So what are we to do? At the upcoming International Code Council's final action hearing in Rochester, NY, in May, voting governmental members will have an opportunity to approve a change to the IRC, making a historic contribution to fire safety that directly addresses the root of America's fire problem, dwelling fires. If you are firefighter, fire officer, fire chief or commissioner who hopes to one day have a residential sprinkler ordinance in your jurisdiction, the best way to accomplish this is to attend the Rochester meeting to vote for the change.
The residential sprinkler requirement will be on the agenda as Item RB114. If this item is accepted by ICC's voting governmental members, the residential sprinkler requirement will be slated to become a part of the 2009 edition of IRC. As a government employee, your attendance in Rochester is critical because for it to pass, this recommendation will require support by a two-thirds majority of voting governmental members present at the meeting.
Even if you've never attended an ICC hearing, you will find many federal, state and local officials there who will be happy to assist you in understanding and participating in the process. Every vote will be important because a two-thirds majority is a very high hurdle to overcome and because the National Association of Home Builders is orchestrating a major opposition campaign.
If you would like get involved, you must become an ICC voting member by May 10. To join the ICC, click here.
For more information on ICC voting governmental membership, which is required to vote at the hearing. click here.
This one is worth getting involved with. After all, since the National Association of Home Builders is leading their major opposition campaign against sprinklers, they are clearly taking a stand against firefighters and our ability to survive as well. And then there is the issue of those living in the home!
Some will say "firefighters don't have to go in" and that solves the problem. Wake up. Sometimes we do have to go in and residential fire sprinklers can solve all parts of that problem.
Related links:
- IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition coming up on May 3. Click here to register.
