WHO WE ARE
The Massachusetts Fire Sprinkler Coalition is dedicated to promoting home fire sprinklers. The coalition actively works to educate stakeholder groups on residential fire sprinklers and collaborates with key state fire service organizations to address and overcome barriers to residential fire sprinkler requirements.
THE HOME FIRE PROBLEM
Home fires in Massachusetts pose one of the biggest threats to its residents. For example:
- There were more than 57,000 fires in one- and two-family homes in the last decade.
- These fires caused more than 200 deaths and more than $829 million in property damage.
THE SOLUTION
All U.S. model building codes require installation of home fire sprinklers in new, one- and two-family homes. These life-saving systems have been proven to reduce the damage and deaths associated with home structure fires. For instance:
- Sprinklers reduce civilian fire deaths by about 80 percent.
- Sprinklers reduce direct property damage per fire by about 70 percent.
THE COST
Significant research has been conducted on the cost associated with home fire sprinkler installation and places the national average at $1.35 per sprinklered square foot. To put that figure into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades or granite countertops.
THE FALSE CLAIMS
Sprinkler opponents claim that newer homes are safer homes. However, new construction is likely to include “lightweight” materials that allow fire to spread faster and cause structural failure sooner. Furthermore, newer homes often contain modern furnishings made of mainly synthetic materials that can create a greater fuel load and contribute to faster fire propagation.
Counter the myths about home fire sprinklers. Learn all of the facts. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Fire Sprinkler Coalition website at FireSprinklerInitiative.org/Massachusetts.
*Data referenced from the National Fire Protection Association, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and other sources
