Home Fire SprinklersHome Fire Sprinklers

Medford Fire & Life Safety DivisionMedford Fire & Life Safety Division

The Fire ProblemThe Fire Problem

StatisticsStatistics– NationalNational

Each day 7 people die in United States home Each day 7 people die in United States home firesfires

Each year on average over 2,500 people die Each year on average over 2,500 people die in the United States and more than 13,000 in the United States and more than 13,000 people are injured in home firespeople are injured in home fires

Fires kill more people in the United States Fires kill more people in the United States each year than all natural disasters combinedeach year than all natural disasters combined

Children and the elderly are most at riskChildren and the elderly are most at risk

– OregonOregonFrom 2004 to 2013 there were:From 2004 to 2013 there were:

– nearly 350 fire deathsnearly 350 fire deaths

– more than 2,500 injuriesmore than 2,500 injuries

Source: NFPA

The Fire ProblemThe Fire Problem

Statistics – Firefighter CasualtiesStatistics – Firefighter Casualties– NationalNational

Approx. 100 firefighter fatalities per yearApprox. 100 firefighter fatalities per year– Many of these are related to residential structure fires Many of these are related to residential structure fires

An estimated 81,070 firefighter injuries occur annually in the U.S.An estimated 81,070 firefighter injuries occur annually in the U.S.

The majority of firefighter injuries (87%) occur in structure firesThe majority of firefighter injuries (87%) occur in structure fires

Source: UFSA

Medford Residential Fire StatisticsMedford Residential Fire Statistics

StatisticsStatistics– LocalLocal

In the 25-year period between 1989 and 2013, Medford experienced 22 In the 25-year period between 1989 and 2013, Medford experienced 22 fire related deaths that occurred inside of structures located on residential fire related deaths that occurred inside of structures located on residential properties. properties.

– Most fire deaths are caused from smoke inhalation and occur between Most fire deaths are caused from smoke inhalation and occur between midnight and 8:00ammidnight and 8:00am

– Each fire tragedy effects family, friends, firefighters, and the communityEach fire tragedy effects family, friends, firefighters, and the communitySource: NFPA

Medford Residential Fire DeathsMedford Residential Fire Deaths20-Year Study 20-Year Study

13 in single family homes 3 in duplexes 2 in multi-family homes 4 in structures associated with residences (2 in a garage and 2 in a shed)

Conclusion: 17 of our citizen tragic fire deaths could have been avoided if the homes were protected with fire sprinkler systems

59.1%

31.8%

Medford Fire InjuriesMedford Fire Injuries

In the last 13 years, 76 people were injured from fires, many of these close calls

Medford Residential Fire StatisticsMedford Residential Fire Statistics(5-year average)(5-year average)

Structure Fires Per YearStructure Fires Per Year– 82 per year82 per year

Homes vs. Multi-familyHomes vs. Multi-family– 80% one and two family80% one and two family

– 20% multi-family20% multi-family

Direct Property Losses Per Year:Direct Property Losses Per Year:– $1.1 million per year$1.1 million per year

Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable Populations

Source: NFPA

ChildrenChildren– Children under the age of 5 are 1 ½ times Children under the age of 5 are 1 ½ times

more likely to die in a home fire as the more likely to die in a home fire as the general publicgeneral public

Young children often hide during fires or need Young children often hide during fires or need assistanceassistance

Children may sleep through a sounding smoke Children may sleep through a sounding smoke alarmalarm

Children have reduced reaction timesChildren have reduced reaction times

Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable Populations

Source: NFPA

Older AdultsOlder Adults– The elderly are nearly 3 times more likely to die in a home fire as the The elderly are nearly 3 times more likely to die in a home fire as the

general publicgeneral publicOlder adults may suffer from reduced sensory abilities such as smell, Older adults may suffer from reduced sensory abilities such as smell, touch, vision, and hearingtouch, vision, and hearing

– Inability to smell smokeInability to smell smoke– Inability to feel if something is hotInability to feel if something is hot– Inability to see fires or notice fire causesInability to see fires or notice fire causes– Inability to hear smoke alarms or fire soundsInability to hear smoke alarms or fire sounds

Older adults may suffer from disabilitiesOlder adults may suffer from disabilities

Older adults have reduced reaction timesOlder adults have reduced reaction times

  

Why Do We Still Lose People in Why Do We Still Lose People in Home Fires?Home Fires?

Safe Window of Escape TimeSafe Window of Escape Time– Studies have shown that the average safe window of escape time has been Studies have shown that the average safe window of escape time has been

reduced from 17 minutes in the 1970’s to as little as three minutes currently. reduced from 17 minutes in the 1970’s to as little as three minutes currently. – This change is attributed to the widespread use of hydrocarbons (petroleum This change is attributed to the widespread use of hydrocarbons (petroleum

products) in modern furniture, such as plastics and polyurethane foams. products) in modern furniture, such as plastics and polyurethane foams. These newer fuels cause more rapid fire growth. Smoke and products of These newer fuels cause more rapid fire growth. Smoke and products of combustion from these fires become deadly in a matter of just a few minutes.combustion from these fires become deadly in a matter of just a few minutes.

– People are dying because they simply do not wake up or cannot get out in People are dying because they simply do not wake up or cannot get out in time.time.

  

Source: NIST

Why Do We Still Lose People in Why Do We Still Lose People in Home Fires?Home Fires?

Some Would Say Smoke Alarms are Enough…– They may not provide an early enough warning for They may not provide an early enough warning for

everybody to escape todays fast moving home fireseverybody to escape todays fast moving home firesSmoke alarms were present and operated in 40% of home fire Smoke alarms were present and operated in 40% of home fire deathsdeaths

– There are maintenance issuesThere are maintenance issues37% of fire deaths were in homes with missing smoke alarms37% of fire deaths were in homes with missing smoke alarms

23% of fire deaths were in homes where smoke alarms were 23% of fire deaths were in homes where smoke alarms were inoperableinoperable

  

  

Source: NFPA’s Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires, March 2014

Smoke Alarms and ChildrenSmoke Alarms and Children

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35cYfR1PgZw

Furnishings & Fuel LoadsFurnishings & Fuel Loads

Heat Release Rates (HRR)Heat Release Rates (HRR) (Btu/sec)(Btu/sec)– Small wastebasketSmall wastebasket 4-142 4-142– TV setTV set 114-275 114-275– Cotton mattressCotton mattress 38-921 38-921– Polyurethane mattressPolyurethane mattress 768-2495 768-2495 (+271-2025%)(+271-2025%)– Cotton easy chairCotton easy chair 275-351 275-351– Polyurethane easy chairPolyurethane easy chair 1281-1888 1281-1888 (+466-538%)(+466-538%)– Polyurethane sofaPolyurethane sofa 2960 2960– Armchair (modern)Armchair (modern) 332-711 332-711– ReclinerRecliner (synthetic padding/covering)(synthetic padding/covering) 474-949 474-949– Christmas tree, dryChristmas tree, dry 474-617 474-617– Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete)Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete) 949 949– Living room or bedroom fully involvedLiving room or bedroom fully involved 2846-9487 2846-9487

Source: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

1970’s vs. Current Fuel Loads1970’s vs. Current Fuel Loads

Source: UL

Total Time to Firefighting InterventionTotal Time to Firefighting Intervention(Minutes)(Minutes)

Fire TimelineFire Timeline– IgnitionIgnition 00– Alarm-DiscoveryAlarm-Discovery 11– EvacuationEvacuation 11– 911 call911 call 11– Dispatch TimeDispatch Time 11– Turnout TimeTurnout Time 1.51.5– Drive TimeDrive Time 55

– Setup TimeSetup Time 11

– Fighting Fire 11.5Fighting Fire 11.5

The Facts - FlashoverThe Facts - Flashover

Residents Do Not Survive FlashoverResidents Do Not Survive Flashover– Flashover is caused when a fire produces enough Flashover is caused when a fire produces enough

radiant heat in a room to ignite all of the radiant heat in a room to ignite all of the combustible items within the room combustible items within the room simultaneously simultaneously

– Flashover can occur in as little as 3-4 minutesFlashover can occur in as little as 3-4 minutes

– Conditions can become fatal in about ½ the time Conditions can become fatal in about ½ the time to flashoverto flashover

– Most victims in post-flashover fires are found Most victims in post-flashover fires are found remote from the room of originremote from the room of origin

Source: NIST

Firefighters Do Not Survive FlashoverFirefighters Do Not Survive Flashover– Charring of modern PPE fabrics >572Charring of modern PPE fabrics >572oo F F22

– 10% of firefighter deaths are a result of rapid10% of firefighter deaths are a result of rapid

fire developmentfire development

The Facts - FlashoverThe Facts - Flashover

The Facts – Lightweight ConstructionThe Facts – Lightweight Construction

Firefighter Safety HazardsFirefighter Safety Hazards– Lightweight ConstructionLightweight Construction

Began to appear 25 years agoBegan to appear 25 years agoVulnerable to fire conditionsVulnerable to fire conditionsTimes to reach structural failure 35-60 percent Times to reach structural failure 35-60 percent shortershorter

Sources: UL Tests, NFPA Fire Sprinkler Initiative

Typical Fire Scenario w/o Fire SprinklersTypical Fire Scenario w/o Fire Sprinklers

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation & applies 250 gpm per hose to fire areas. Windows are broken and holes are cut in the roof to vent fire gases and smoke.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. Smoke begins to layer down

Ceiling temp. reaches 1,000 degrees, visibility is reduced to zero

Ceiling temp reaches 1,400 degrees. Flashover occurs engulfing all contents of the fire room and extending fire throughout home

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

Severe fire damage results. Extensive water is used for firefighting suppression efforts. Average time of displacement...6 months to a year.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Marble Mountain TestsMarble Mountain Tests

What If Homes were Sprinklered?What If Homes were Sprinklered?

Typical Fire Scenario with SprinklersTypical Fire Scenario with Sprinklers

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation and limits water damage by shutting down the water supply to the sprinkler system. The fire department then assists with initial clean-up operations.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

Average time of displacement from home...1-2 days.

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. The sprinkler head over the fire activates

Fire is controlled or completely extinguished. Sprinkler head continues to spray water at 15 gpm.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

What If Homes were Sprinklered?What If Homes were Sprinklered?

Model Building Codes: National Standard of CareModel Building Codes: National Standard of Care– National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2005Required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2005

– International Code Council (ICC)International Code Council (ICC)Required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2009Required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2009

– State Adoptions of Model CodesState Adoptions of Model CodesCA required fire sprinklers in all new homes 2011CA required fire sprinklers in all new homes 2011– First ordinance in San Clemente 1970’sFirst ordinance in San Clemente 1970’s– 153 ordinances when starting to talk about statewide requirement153 ordinances when starting to talk about statewide requirement– 4 years later passed a statewide requirement4 years later passed a statewide requirement

MD required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2011MD required fire sprinklers in all new homes in 2011

Where Are We at in Oregon?Where Are We at in Oregon?– Statewide multi-family requirement (2010) for new construction (3+ Statewide multi-family requirement (2010) for new construction (3+

units)units)– No statewide requirement to protect one and two family homesNo statewide requirement to protect one and two family homes

Towards a Safer CommunityTowards a Safer Community

Occupant SafetyOccupant Safety– Sprinklers reduce civilian fire deaths by 83% Sprinklers reduce civilian fire deaths by 83%

– Sprinklers reduce civilian fire injury medical Sprinklers reduce civilian fire injury medical costs by 53%costs by 53%

– Sprinklers reduce civilian fire injury total Sprinklers reduce civilian fire injury total costs by 41%costs by 41%

Firefighter Safety Firefighter Safety – Sprinklers are responsible for an estimated Sprinklers are responsible for an estimated

65% reduction in firefighter fireground 65% reduction in firefighter fireground injuries injuries

Property LossesProperty Losses– Sprinklers reduce direct property damage per Sprinklers reduce direct property damage per

fire by 69%fire by 69%

Source: Fire Sprinkler Initiative Home Structure Fire Loss in the U.S. and Fire Sprinkler Impact

Proven Case StudiesProven Case Studies

Residential Fire SprinklersResidential Fire Sprinklers– Scottsdale, AZScottsdale, AZ (15 Year Study)(15 Year Study)11

Ordinance enacted in 1986 Ordinance enacted in 1986

Over 50% of houses sprinkleredOver 50% of houses sprinklered

No fire deaths in sprinklered homesNo fire deaths in sprinklered homes

13 people died in non-fire sprinklered homes13 people died in non-fire sprinklered homes

Over $20 million in property lossOver $20 million in property loss preventedprevented

Average fire loss was:Average fire loss was:– $2,166 in fire sprinklered residences$2,166 in fire sprinklered residences

– $45,019 in non-fire sprinklered residences$45,019 in non-fire sprinklered residences

$1,665,574

$6,594,125

$1,278,375

$6,264,203

$4,010,483

$6,708,160

$1,774,125

$7,913,104

$3,021,225

$9,144,442

$0

$2,000,000

$4,000,000

$6,000,000

$8,000,000

$10,000,000

96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01

Scottsdale National Average

Source: Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Proven Case StudiesProven Case Studies

Residential Fire SprinklersResidential Fire Sprinklers– Prince George’s County, MD (15 Year Study)Prince George’s County, MD (15 Year Study) 1 1

Ordinance Enacted in 1992Ordinance Enacted in 1992

Reported Home Fires: 13,494Reported Home Fires: 13,494

Reported Home Fire Sprinkler Activations: 245Reported Home Fire Sprinkler Activations: 245

Homes Protected with Fire Sprinklers Homes Protected with Fire Sprinklers – 446 people present in homes 446 people present in homes

– Fire Deaths: 0 Fire Deaths: 0

– Fire Injuries: 6 (all minor in nature)Fire Injuries: 6 (all minor in nature)

– Total Fire Loss: Total Fire Loss: $ 1,352,820.00$ 1,352,820.00

– Potential Fire loss:Potential Fire loss: $ 42,578,420.00$ 42,578,420.00

Unprotected Homes:Unprotected Homes:– Fire Deaths: 101Fire Deaths: 101

– Fire Injuries: 328Fire Injuries: 328Source: Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Case Study ConclusionsCase Study Conclusions

Fire Sprinkler ExperienceFire Sprinkler Experience– Studies in jurisdictions that had long-standing fire

sprinkler ordinances have proven that residential fire sprinkler systems are effective in saving lives, reducing injuries, and reducing property damage

– The National Institute of Technology (NIST) compared sprinklered and non-sprinklered homes over a period of time and came to the following conclusions:

Houses equipped with smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system experienced 100 % fewer civilian fatalities, 57 % fewer civilian injuries, and 32 % less direct property losses and indirect costs resulting from fire than houses equipped only with smoke alarms.

  Source: NIST Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, 2007

The SolutionThe Solution

Your Chances of Surviving a Fire Increase Significantly with:Your Chances of Surviving a Fire Increase Significantly with:– A fire sprinkler system and

– Smoke alarms

Resident Benefits in Addition to Life Safety ValueResident Benefits in Addition to Life Safety Value– Much less property damage

– Valued possessions will most likely be spared

– Will not have to relocate for an extended period of time while residence is rebuilt

+ => Survival

50%

97%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Chance of Survival

SmokeDetectors

Fire Sprinklersand SmokeDetectors

Source: NFPA; Firesafehome.org

Community BenefitsCommunity BenefitsAvailable Personnel & EconomicsAvailable Personnel & Economics

Serious Residential Fire without Fire SprinklersSerious Residential Fire without Fire Sprinklers

Residential Fire with Fire SprinklersResidential Fire with Fire Sprinklers

Average Staffing for Extended DurationAverage Staffing for Extended Duration– 15.5 personnel15.5 personnel– 60.1 staff-hours60.1 staff-hours– Mutual aid required forMutual aid required for

other normal responsesother normal responses– + Overtime crews+ Overtime crews– + Overtime investigation+ Overtime investigation

Average Staffing for Short TermAverage Staffing for Short Term– 3 personnel3 personnel– 6 staff-hours6 staff-hours– No overtime crewsNo overtime crews– Units immediately available for another Units immediately available for another

responseresponse– Possible short duration overtime Possible short duration overtime

InvestigationInvestigation

Community Benefits Community Benefits Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Considerations

Environmental Impact of Sprinklered vs. Non-Sprinklered HomesEnvironmental Impact of Sprinklered vs. Non-Sprinklered Homes– Greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 97.8%Greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 97.8%

– Water usage was reduced between 50% and 92%Water usage was reduced between 50% and 92%

– Fewer persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, were found in sprinkler Fewer persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, were found in sprinkler wastewater versus fire hose waterwastewater versus fire hose water

– The high PH level and pollutant load of non-sprinkler wastewater are an The high PH level and pollutant load of non-sprinkler wastewater are an environmental concernenvironmental concern

Source: Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and FM Global

Public PerceptionPublic Perception

2014 National Harris Poll2014 National Harris Poll– 74% of U.S. homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a 74% of U.S. homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a

home with fire sprinklers than one withouthome with fire sprinklers than one without

– Seven in 10 said a sprinklered house has more valueSeven in 10 said a sprinklered house has more value

– Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) said fire sprinklers provide the ultimate Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) said fire sprinklers provide the ultimate protection for residentsprotection for residents

Source: Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Costs of Home Sprinkler SystemsCosts of Home Sprinkler Systems

Nationally - $1.35 per sq. ft. of living areaNationally - $1.35 per sq. ft. of living area– Lowest $0.74 in San Clemente CALowest $0.74 in San Clemente CA

Locally - $1.68 per sq. ft. of living areaLocally - $1.68 per sq. ft. of living area

Solutions to Reducing CostSolutions to Reducing Cost– Partnership with Medford Water CommissionPartnership with Medford Water Commission

¾” water meters at standard 5/8” meter SDC’s¾” water meters at standard 5/8” meter SDC’s

– Encourage Design to Eliminate BackflowEncourage Design to Eliminate BackflowMultipurpose or flow through systemsMultipurpose or flow through systems

– Insurance CompaniesInsurance CompaniesTypical 5-15% reduction in homeowner’s insurance Typical 5-15% reduction in homeowner’s insurance

Source: NFPA

Costs of Home Sprinkler SystemsCosts of Home Sprinkler Systems

Conclusion1:

“Basically, for the price of a Happy Meal or a Starbuck’s coffee (a month), your family can be protected by a residential sprinkler system,” Fred Benn, President of Advanced Automatic Sprinkler Company in Hayward, CA

Source: 1. Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Expected Increase in 30-year MortgageExpected Increase in 30-year Mortgage– $5-10 month after interest deduction and insurance savings$5-10 month after interest deduction and insurance savings

Comparable CostsComparable Costs– Many people pay similar costs for such amenities as:Many people pay similar costs for such amenities as:

Upgrading carpetUpgrading carpet

Upgrading cabinetsUpgrading cabinets

Upgrading countertopsUpgrading countertops

Upgrading drivewaysUpgrading driveways

Sprinkler Ordinances:Sprinkler Ordinances: Is There an Impact on Housing? Is There an Impact on Housing?

Sources: NFPA; NAHB

Impact on Housing Supply and CostsImpact on Housing Supply and Costs– A 2009 study found no evidence that the A 2009 study found no evidence that the

“enactment of of sprinkler ordinances caused any “enactment of of sprinkler ordinances caused any detrimental effects on housing supply and costs”.detrimental effects on housing supply and costs”.

– Statistics on the website of the National Statistics on the website of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) show Association of Home Builders (NAHB) show single-family home building permits increased on single-family home building permits increased on average by 28 percent in the United States between average by 28 percent in the United States between April 2012 and April 2013, but California April 2012 and April 2013, but California experienced a 55 percent increase in permits in the experienced a 55 percent increase in permits in the same period. same period.

ConclusionsConclusions

Medford’s Strategic PlanMedford’s Strategic Plan– 1. Ensure a safe community by protecting people, 1. Ensure a safe community by protecting people,

property, and the environmentproperty, and the environment

Community Risk ReductionCommunity Risk Reduction– Home fire sprinklers benefit homeowners by protecting Home fire sprinklers benefit homeowners by protecting

lives, preventing injuries, and reducing property damagelives, preventing injuries, and reducing property damage

– Home fire sprinklers benefit the community by Home fire sprinklers benefit the community by preventing tragedy, making conditions safer for preventing tragedy, making conditions safer for firefighters, and protecting the environmentfirefighters, and protecting the environment

Where Do We Go from Here?Where Do We Go from Here?– Continued educationContinued education

– Strengthening partnerships Strengthening partnerships

– Consider pursuing local ordinanceConsider pursuing local ordinance

Questions?Questions?