A.H.J. Knows Best

The Authority Having Jurisdiction Knows Best, or
How I Stopped Fire & Life Safety Progress

Without Really Trying

Why don't people put fire sprinklers in their homes? There are many reasons. Some of them are because of us, the local Fire Marshal, Chief and Inspector. We beg people to install fire sprinklers but when the contractor comes in for the permit we make them jump through hoops above and beyond the code, and they charge the customer for it.

There is increasing awareness and demand for the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems. We know the benefits. It's like having a firefighter standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The technology and codes have evolved to make this an easily affordable reality for many homeowners.

So why don't people sprinkler their homes? Lots of reasons, but mostly cost. Sometimes our lack of standardized application of NFPA 13-D discourages fire sprinkler contractors to invest in the residential fire sprinkler market. That uncertainty with code enforcement often makes the job frustrating and cost prohibitive for the contractor and homeowner.

We have seen the enemy, and it is us...

*Code Interpretations. We are used to commercial fire sprinkler systems. Sometimes we try to enforce those requirements on single family dwellings.

*Lack of Communication between Code Officials and Contractors. Often contractors, because of uncertainty, include things above and beyond the code without even talking to the A.H.J. so they don't get caught short.

If we really want people to install fire sprinkler systems in their home we must help make it available, easy and economical. This can be accomplished without compromising fire safety if we all work together.

Representatives of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, National Fire Sprinkler Association MN Chapter and the Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota are meeting to discuss ways to encourage more installations of residential sprinkler systems. The focus is on removing or reducing barriers posed by regulation and enforcement. The following are some of the possible solutions:

* DON'T REQUIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

* DON'T REQUIRE SPRINKLER FLOW ALARMS

* RELAX REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER METERS

* DEFINE APPROPRIATE, Uniform, DESIGN Standards

* ALLOW HOMEOWNER Installations in single family dwellings

* PROVIDE OTHER INCENTIVES THROUGH THE CODES

Watch for New State Fire Marshal's Policy on Residential Sprinkler Code Interpretations in Your Association Publications.

Support Affordable Residential Fire Sprinklers in Your Own Home and Community.

If you think this concept is really off the mark, maybe, you should look for your name in the FMAM Hall of Shame