Friday, February 28, 2014

Fire sprinkler extinguishes Ashland kitchen fire

from dailytidings.com

Posted: 11:50 AM February 26, 2014

Firefighters responded to a kitchen fire in an Ashland apartment complex Tuesday, but a working sprinkler system had already extinguished the flames by the time crews arrived.
Ashland Fire & Rescue responded to the Snowberry Brook Apartments, in the 2000 block of Villard Street, at 1 p.m. Tuesday for a reported sprinkler activation due to a fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire, which had started near a small kitchen appliance, had been controlled, fire officials said.
Ashland Fire Chief John Karns said the appliance, thought to be a blender, was plugged in and had melted, likely due to an electrical short.
After the plastic melted, flames began to spread on the counter. The sprinklers activated it and extinguished the flames by the time they reached the walls.
Karns said the fire is not suspicious and is a prime example of why sprinkler systems are important.
"This was an eight-unit residential facility. We could have had a fire that damaged all eight units," Karns said. "It's exactly why we're trying to promote residential sprinklers."
The fire's official cause remains under investigation.
— Ryan Pfeil

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Wheaton Could Require Fire Sprinkler Systems in New Homes Under Proposed Code Changes

from wheaton.patch.com


Councilman John K. Rutledge discussed proposed building code changes. Credit: City of Wheaton Planning Commission video

Councilman John K. Rutledge discussed proposed building code changes. Credit: City of Wheaton Planning Commission video
A requirement for fire sprinkler systems in all new single family homes could be adopted for Wheaton residents if the city moves forward with a proposed update to its building codes, according to discussion at a Monday Wheaton City Council planning session.

Wheaton's codes have not been updated since 2003 and the city is looking to bring them up-to-date with more current 2012 ICC Building Code standards.

Most of the changes to the codes are clarifications and reflective of changes made in the past, according to the discussion at the meeting. But one of the more debatable items the ICC added as part of its 2009 code updates was requiring fire sprinklers for new single family homes, according to discussion at a Monday planning commission meet.

The Wheaton City Council is expected to further discuss the fire sprinkler code adoption during its April 7 meeting with a final vote expected at its April 21 meeting on the new building code. The city council can amend portions of the code moving forward.
In the time-being, residents can share their feedback on the proposed code changes. The city of Wheaton has more information on its website on how to do so.

Fire Sprinkler System Requirement 

Currently, 91 municipalities and fire protection districts in Illinois mandate residential sprinkler installation in some form. Twelve of those municipalities are in DuPage County, and six of them adopted their mandates since the International Residential Code required residential sprinklers in 2009. 
"The fire industry strongly advocates for residential sprinklers to protect both life and property and thereby reduce costs to homeowners, occupants, and the surrounding community," according to a Feb. 24 city of Wheaton memo. "The building industry, on the other hand, values life and property but believes that the costs of mandating the installation of sprinklers in new homes reduces the purchasing power of potential homebuyers and negatively affects developing communities." 
Depending on the data source, costs to install sprinklers in new single family structures range from $1.35 to $4.21 per sprinklered square foot, according to city documents. 
One main reason for updating the codes is to ensure the city receives a favorable grade from the Insurance Services Organization—a grade that is used by insurance agencies to determine rates for private property owners, according to city documents and discussion from the planning commission meeting. 
The city of Wheaton could receive a lower grade if it doesn't update its building codes.

Other Changes to Wheaton's Code 

Other changes proposed for Wheaton's code includes:
  • Recognize wireless technology for interconnecting smoke detectors.
  • Door between garage and dwelling unit self closing.
  • HVAC system is not permitted to serve both dwelling unit and garage
  • Makeup air for kitchen exhaust hoods with a rating greater than 400 cfm.
  • Special provisions for roof gardens and landscaped roofs.
  • Minimum floor area of 50 sq. ft. for kitchens is deleted.
  • Automatic sprinkler to be provided throughout a new building of Group M occupancy that displays or sells upholstered furniture.
  • Y2 inch gypsum board applied to the underside of floor assemblies.
  • Provisions for gray-water recycling systems. 
You can find out more about the proposed updates and share your feedback.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sprinklers Contain Fire to Closet of Everett Assisted Living Facility

from myeverettnews.com


Sprinklers Contain Fire to Closet of Everett Assisted Living Facility

February 26, 2014
Everett fire
Another example of how fire sprinklers save lives.
Combustibles too close to a light bulb started a fire at an assisted-living facility in the 13000 block of 4th Ave. W. early this morning. Here are the details and a reminder about fire sprinklers from assistant Everett Fire Marshal Eric Hicks…
Everett Firefighters responded when an automatic fire alarm sounded shortly after 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. When firefighters arrived, most occupants had already evacuated. Firefighters investigated and found that a fire had been extinguished by a sprinkler head located in the closet.
Firefighters determined the fire was caused by combustibles too close to a light bulb in the closet.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “The most effective fire loss prevention and reduction measure, with respect to both life and property, is the installation and maintenance of fire sprinklers. Fire sprinkler systems offer the optimum level of fire safety because they control the fire immediately in the room of origin, help prevent flashover and often extinguish the fire before the fire department arrives on the scene.”

Illinois Fire and Building Officials Meet to Strengthen Commitment to Home Fire Sprinkler Protection

from sacbee.com


Published: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 - 10:55 am
/PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 26 years since the Village of Long Grove enacted fire sprinkler requirements for new construction homes, Illinois now has 92 communities with such requirements. Many of those communities' officials attended a special meeting at Lewis University's Oak Brook campus this February. Local fire and building officials discussed their home fire sprinkler requirements and shared information about why those requirements play an important role in protecting their citizens and firefighters. They also heard from top state and national fire safety officials.
"There is a continuing need to educate newly elected officials and fire and building officials who may not have been in their current positions during the time that home fire sprinkler requirements were enacted in their communities," say Tom Lia, executive director of the nonprofit Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.
Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis discussed the importance of home fire sprinklers in preventing fire deaths and injuries. His office reported that there were 117 fire deaths in the past 13 months — all but one fire occurred in residential occupancies. The deaths reflected the most vulnerable populations, mostly the very young children and the elderly.
Russ Sanders, regional director for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), echoed Matkaitis' statements and spoke about the educational tools available to communities through the "Fire Sprinkler Initiative" program, which is an NFPA effort that aims to bring fire sprinkler protection to homes throughout the United States. Sanders also reaffirmed that the home fire sprinkler requirements currently enacted in 92 Illinois communities are a reflection of the requirements in the latest national model codes. Only two states — California and Maryland — top Illinois with statewide adoption of the national codes requiring fire sprinklers in new construction homes.
Officials from Illinois communities that already have enacted home fire sprinkler requirements spoke about their experiences in providing better fire protection to residents through the incorporation of home fire sprinklers, including a building official from Lake Bluff and fire officials from Matteson and La Grange Park. In particular, La Grange Park, which is a teardown/rebuild community, recently reached completion of its 50th sprinklered home.
A representative from the national nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) also presented information about the organization's "Built For Life Fire Department" program. There are 2,500 fire departments nationwide that have joined the program and committed to making home fire sprinklers a part of their education outreach efforts. HFSC provides the fire departments with resources and its myriad of free educational pieces to educate the public, elected officials, real estate and insurance agents, water supply officials, and others involved in the decision to include fire sprinklers in a community's homes.
"This event was an important opportunity for fire and building officials to strengthen their commitments to the fire safety of their communities by sharing and exchanging vital information about home fire sprinkler education and advocacy," says Lia. "In order for Illinois to continue to advance and ensure the fire safety of its residents, it is up to local communities to continue passing local home fire sprinkler ordinances that prevent future injuries and deaths."
The latest Illinois communities to pass requirements for fire sprinklers in new construction homes include Riverdale, Westchester, and the Addison Fire Protection District.
About the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) is a Not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting progressive legislation, raising public awareness, and educating code officials and governmental policy makers by demonstrating the proven performance of fire sprinklers in saving both lives and property. For more info, visit www.firesprinklerassoc.org.
SOURCE Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB)

Monday, February 24, 2014

Fire at Knapheide extinguished by fire sprinklers

from whig.com




Posted: Feb 24, 2014 1:34 PM PSTUpdated: Feb 24, 2014 2:36 PM PST


Sprinklers put out a fire Monday morning at the Knapheide Manufacturing Co., 1848 Westphalia Strasse, that was caused by a malfunctioning air compressor.
Lt. Richard Kestner, of the Tri-Township Fire Department, said crews were dispatched to the facility around 9:45 a.m.
"We got there and there was heavy smoke, but we went in and couldn't find any fire," he said. "The sprinkler system had already put it out."
Firefighters remained on the scene for one hour. No injuries were reported.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

WWII veteran killed in Mount Washington fire

from abc 








A WWII veteran was killed in a blaze in the Mount Washington area Friday.

The fire broke out just before 10 p.m. in a one-story hillside home on the 500 block of West Avenue 44.
Responding LAFD firefighters navigated steep and narrow streets to find the residence and garage fully engulfed in flames. It took close to 50 firefighters 40 minutes to knock the blaze down.
After extinguishing the flames, crews searched the heavily damaged home and discovered human remains.
Francisco Hernandez, 89, was later identified as the victim.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, but investigators believe it was likely electrical. The home did not have working residential fire sprinklers.
Hernandez' niece, Maya Hoo, says her uncle should be honored as a decorated war veteran. She said her uncle fought in Normandy, and was shot in the leg. He received the Purple Heart for his work.
"I want him to be remembered as a hero, as the hero that he was, and that we can't forget these guys because they're disappearing around us, and you have to know how important they are, and that the important things in life are your family," said Hoo.
This is the ninth fire fatality in Los Angeles this year in which the home was not equipped with a fire detector. In five of the nine case, the victims were senior citizens.


(Copyright ©2014 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Fire in Chicago High School Cooking Class, Highlighting the Importance of School Fire Safety

from prnewswire.com


ORLAND PARK, Ill.Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, a fiery explosion occurred during a demonstration in a cooking class at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago. The fire occurred when students ignited a gas burner to heat hot chocolate. According to Chicago Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford, the fire shot up to the ceiling and the school's fire sprinkler system quickly extinguished it.
Although five students were injured in the explosion, it could have been even worse says fire safety proponent Tom Lia, executive director of the nonprofit Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.
"We never want to see students injured in any type of fire or explosion. But it's reassuring to know that the fire was not able to spread and injure others within the classroom and other parts of the school thanks to the quick action of the fire sprinkler system," states Lia. "Incidents like this fire demonstrate the need for fire safety protection in our schools. As a parent, I would want to know that my child is safe from fire while at school."
Unfortunately, Lia says some Illinois schools are choosing not to include fire sprinklers in new renovations solely because state law does not require them to do so. On February 13, the school board in west suburban Forest Park voted against including fire sprinklers in the new addition on Betsy Ross Elementary School because it was only 5,800 square feet — 1,400 square feet below the requirement for fire sprinklers. The Illinois State Board of Education mandates fire sprinklers in any new school construction or additions that meet or exceed 7,200 square feet in a 30-month period, or when alterations in a 30-month period affect one or more areas of a school building which cumulatively are equal to 50% or more of the building's square footage.
"While fire alarms and regular fire drills are essential in schools, only fire sprinklers will work to control or extinguish a fire before firefighters arrive, allowing students and faculty to safely escape," adds Lia. "School boards need to consider how many generations of children will be affected when they choose not to include fire sprinklers."
About the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board
The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) is a Not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting progressive legislation, raising public awareness, and educating code officials and governmental policy makers by demonstrating the proven performance of fire sprinklers in saving both lives and property. For more info, visit www.firesprinklerassoc.org.
SOURCE Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board


RELATED LINKS
http://www.firesprinklerassoc.org

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

MN judge rules in favor of sprinkler mandate for many new houses, do you agree with his decision?

from startribune.com 




Posted by: Jim Buchta under Architecture Updated: February 19, 2014 - 11:23 AM
After fierce opposition from Twin Cities home builders, an administrative law judge recently ruled that the Department of Labor and Industry has the power to require sprinklers in some new houses as part of an amended residential building code that’s expected to be adopted sometime next year. Here's a link to that ruling.
That ruling follows a year-long debate over the issue (I last wrote about the debate in May 2012), which would require home builders in most of the state to install automatic fire sprinklers in new single-family houses that exceed 4,500 square feet.
Builders have fought the rule because they say it is unnecessary and could add thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. Though the square footage requirement is limited to those houses with more than 4,500 square feet, the rule applies to all conditioned space, includes most lower levels and bonus rooms even if the space is unfinished.
Eric Lipman, the administrative law judge who issued the ruling, wrote that “...the proposed rules are needed and reasonable.” James Vagle, public policy director for the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, said that the organization is considering its options. “We are continuing to seek ways to avoid imposing this unnecessary mandate on homeowners as this process continues he said.
The rule has received the support of fire officials who have argued that it will save lives and homes. The decision by the administrative law judge comes several weeks after a hearing to discuss the issue, which has been the subject of debate for several years. In both 2011 and 2012, the state legislature approved measures that would have forbidden the DLI from revising the state code to require installation of sprinkiers, but both measures were vetoed by Governor Dayton.
Here's part of Dayton's response: “I take very seriously the concerns which fire safety professionals have expressed about the safety of home residents, their properties and the lives of the men and women who courageously risk their lives to fight those fires.”
The measure could be implemented sometime later this year. Do you agree with Lipman's decision?

From Down Under: NSW Planning simplifies fire sprinkler regulations for aged care

NSW Planning simplifies fire sprinkler regulations for aged care

Fire-sprinkler
Aged care providers in NSW have welcomed the State Government’s efforts to simplify and streamline the process of retrofitting compulsory fire sprinkler safety systems in residential facilities.
The changes to the regulations introduced by the government give providers more flexibility to meet standards in non-residential areas of a facility by eliminating the need to install sprinklers if other conditions are met. They also remove the requirement for operators to publish fire system implementation costs.
State laws require all NSW residential aged care facilities to have an automatic sprinkler system installed by March 2016. While the NSW Government reported in January that the majority of facilities were on track to meet the deadline, aged care peaks said at the time that some providers would have trouble meeting the government’s timetable.
Responding to the regulatory changes, Illana Halliday, CEO of Aged & Community Services NSW & ACT said: “This is a considerable improvement and we welcome it.”
Ms Halliday said the sector had been asking for the changes and they welcomed the government’s cooperation. “The aged care industry is delighted that the department has been so open and constructive in working with us to refine some of the requirements so that we are able to be more practical and economical in the sprinkler installation projects,” Ms Halliday said.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure deputy director general Jill Reich said that all residential living quarters must still be fire sprinkler protected, but flexibility in other areas would assist the remaining facilities meet installation deadlines.
“Provided that non-residential areas, such as offices, that are situated under a sprinkler-protected resident area have in place suitable fire and smoke barriers and smoke detection, operators have the option of not installing further fire sprinklers in them.
“Non-residential areas that are below a resident area that is assessed as high fire hazard, for example car parks, will always require sprinklers,” Ms Reich said.
Fire and Rescue NSW added its support to the changes and confirmed the amendments would not compromise safety.
As part of the regulatory change, and in a bid to prevent price setting by suppliers, providers will no longer have to publish the cost of fire protection measures on the department’s website.
However, providers will still need to supply the installation costs to the independent committee overseeing the installation of sprinklers in aged care homes, Ms Reich said.
For more information on these amendments go to: Fire safety in aged care facilities
Elsewhere, Ms Halliday said amendments to the state’s complying development code, which come into effect on 22 February, would further “cut through red tape, time and money” and assist providers with installing sprinkler systems as well as other fire safety works.
In a letter to Ms Halliday, accredited certifier David Blackett of construction industry consultants Blackett Maguire + Goldsmith, said the forthcoming changes meant various internal alterations to fire safety systems, as well as other internal building works within an existing aged care facility could be approved as a complying development and not require a DA (development application).
This article was originally published in Australian Ageing Agenda.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Australian Aged care sprinkler regulation simplified

from australianageingagenda.com.au


By  on February 18, 2014 in GovernmentIndustry

Aged care providers in NSW have welcomed the State Government’s efforts to simplify and streamline the process of retrofitting compulsory fire sprinkler safety systems in residential facilities.
The changes to the regulations introduced by the government give providers more flexibility to meet standards in non-residential areas of a facility by eliminating the need to install sprinklers if other conditions are met. They also remove the requirement for operators to publish fire system implementation costs.
State laws require all NSW residential aged care facilities to have an automatic sprinkler system installed by March 2016. While the NSW Government reported in January that the majority of facilities were on track to meet the deadline, aged care peaks said at the time that some providers would have trouble meeting the government’s timetable.
Responding to the regulatory changes, Illana Halliday, CEO of Aged & Community Services NSW & ACT said: “This is a considerable improvement and we welcome it.”
Ms Halliday said the sector had been asking for the changes and they welcomed the government’s cooperation. “The aged care industry is delighted that the department has been so open and constructive in working with us to refine some of the requirements so that we are able to be more practical and economical in the sprinkler installation projects,” Ms Halliday said.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure deputy director general Jill Reich said that all residential living quarters must still be fire sprinkler protected, but flexibility in other areas would assist the remaining facilities meet installation deadlines.
“Provided that non-residential areas, such as offices, that are situated under a sprinkler-protected resident area have in place suitable fire and smoke barriers and smoke detection, operators have the option of not installing further fire sprinklers in them.
“Non-residential areas that are below a resident area that is assessed as high fire hazard, for example car parks, will always require sprinklers,” Ms Reich said.
Fire and Rescue NSW added its support to the changes and confirmed the amendments would not compromise safety.
As part of the regulatory change, and in a bid to prevent price setting by suppliers, providers will no longer have to publish the cost of fire protection measures on the department’s website.
However, providers will still need to supply the installation costs to the independent committee overseeing the installation of sprinklers in aged care homes, Ms Reich said.
For more information on these amendments go to: Fire safety in aged care facilities
Elsewhere, Ms Halliday said amendments to the state’s complying development code, which come into effect on 22 February, would further “cut through red tape, time and money” and assist providers with installing sprinkler systems as well as other fire safety works.
In a letter to Ms Halliday, accredited certifier David Blackett of construction industry consultants Blackett Maguire + Goldsmith, said the forthcoming changes meant various internal alterations to fire safety systems, as well as other internal building works within an existing aged care facility could be approved as a complying development and not require a DA (development application).

Fire damages residential halls at Vermont college

from wfsb.con


Fire damages residential halls at Vermont college

Posted: Feb 17, 2014 2:56 AM PSTUpdated: Feb 17, 2014 4:17 AM PST
 
Photo courtesy of WCAX
Photo courtesy of WCAX
COLCHESTER, VT (WFSB) -
An overnight fire at Saint Michael's College in Vermont heavily damaged a residential hall.
School officials said the fire occurred early Monday morning in one of the Townhouse buildings forcing students out into the cold.
All students were safe and accounted for, officials said in a statement on the college's website.
Students are being assisted by the Student Life Office while fire crews investigate the cause of the blaze.
Copyright 2014 WFSB (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Family Identities Man Killed In Tulsa Mobile Home Fire

from newson6.com



NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |

Family Identities Man Killed In Tulsa Mobile Home Fire

Posted: Feb 17, 2014 4:28 AM PSTUpdated: Feb 17, 2014 2:17 PM PST
 
A woman driving by the home in the 5500 block of East Oklahoma spotted the fire and called 911.
A woman driving by the home in the 5500 block of East Oklahoma spotted the fire and called 911.
 
Firefighters believe the fire started in the kitchen area of the mobile home.
Firefighters believe the fire started in the kitchen area of the mobile home.
TULSA, Oklahoma -
The family of a man who died in an early morning mobile home fire said Jerry Williams had just celebrated his 50th birthday last month.
Jannie Ellison, Jerry Williams' sister, said the family is still trying to process their loss.
"He was a good church-goer, we just saw him in church last night," Jannie Ellison said.
She said it still hasn't sunk in that her brother is gone.
A passerby called 911 around 4 a.m. Monday, when they saw flames shooting out of the mobile home. Jannie Ellison was also there, as fire investigators were digging through what was left
"I think right now, our family is still in shock a little bit," Jannie Ellison said. "We haven't quite processed everything that happened. We've just been making phone calls."
And while Jerry Ellison didn't make it, the other man who was home at the time did make it out. Tulsa Fire Department said he went to the hospital with burns over about 15 percent of his body.
Ellison said the man's name was Bryan, and that Jerry had been giving him a place to stay.
"He had a soft heart. Whenever people were down on their luck, he just did everything he could to try and help them," Jannie Ellison said.
She said she believes that Jerry's in heaven now, and has to rely on her friends and family to get her through.
"Mostly people have just been saying whatever you need, whatever you need call us. Um, at this point, I'm not even sure what to ask for," Jannie Ellison said.
Several neighbors mentioned that if the fire trucks hadn't arrived when they did Monday morning, they don't how bad the damage could have been to other homes.
Firefighters believe the fire started in the kitchen and continue to investigate. They don't suspect foul play.

Teen Boy With Autism Dies After Row Home Fire In Logan

from philadelphia.cbslocal.com/





By Tim Jimenez and Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – An autistic 14-year-old boy died after being pulled out of a row home fire in the Logan section late Monday afternoon.
The fire broke out at a home around 5 p.m. on the 4800 block of N. 9th Street, right off Roosevelt Boulevard.
A few minutes later, Philadelphia Fire Captain Clifford Gilliam says crews arrived to battle the blaze.
“They found heavy fire conditions. They make an aggressive interior attack and they find a juvenile male on the second floor,” he said.
Gilliam says a firefighter then took the young man, described as autistic, out of the home. He was then rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center.
A relative then told reporters, “All we can do is pray for him.”  Word later came that he died at the hospital.

Authorities say the fire damaged the two homes on both sides of the house. The American Red Cross was on hand to help eight people who were displaced. Investigators are looking into what caused the fire.