Home fire sprinklers save lives, protect property and create a safer fire scenario for firefighters. Every national model building code in this country includes the provision for fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes. That means it is the minimum level of safety. Jurisdictions who choose to bypass this provision or amend it out of their codes are choosing to allow substandard housing to be built.
The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has promulgated a building code for the Commonwealth and omitted the provision to require home fire sprinklers in new construction. Those building within the Commonwealth must follow the code; the new code became effective August 4, 2011. The BBRS is made up of 11 individuals representing various disciplines and falls under the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Public Safety.
Typically, a state's building code is derived from the model codes developed by independent, non-profit organizations that follow a consensus process. Model codes dictate the minimum level of safety. Jurisdictions then either adopt or reference the code as it is written or adopt or reference with amendments. Usually if amendments are added, it is to strengthen the code and raise the standard of safety above the minimal level. It is unusual for a code body to take out safety provisions.
NFPA and the Massachusetts Fire Sprinkler Coalition believes the BBRS should reverse its action to better protect the citizens and firefighters of the Commonwealth or, at a minimum, push out the implementation date for the provision to become effective.
On December 13, 2011, against the backdrop of the firefighters memorial at the State House, NFPA President James M. Shannon and representatives of every major fire service organization in the state came together to protest against the new building code in Massachusetts.
In the last decade, there have been more than 54,000 fires in one- and two-family homes in Massachusetts. These fires injured more than 2,300 firefighters and 1,500 civilians, and caused more than 753 million dollars in property loss. Forty percent of all firefighter injuries happen in one- and two-family homes.
How you can take action for safer homes in Massachusetts
Contact the BBRS directly. Here is draft language you can use for your letter, e-mail, or phone call.
Write
Board of Building Regulations and Standards, Executive Office of Pubic Safety, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Call or e-mail
Massachusetts fire organizations that support fire sprinklers in new homes
Rally, sprinkler demonstration held at NFPA headquarters
A fire totally destroys an unsprinklered room during a live, side-by-side demonstration at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, MA, on November 3, 2011. In the room outfitted with a single sprinkler head, the sprinkler activated after 20 seconds and quickly brought down the flames. Information, more photos from the Quincy event.