Last Responder Not First Responder

Recently My Department was notified that a local business was removing an existing fire sprinkler system during a significant remodeling effort. Naturally the Fire Chief called to express his, and the department’s, disappointment and offer some suggestions about retaining the operating system. Principally he mentioned that there has never been a multiple loss of life in a fully sprinklered building and that fire sprinklers are widely recognized as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages - before they can cause severe injury to people and damage to property.

The building owner was appreciative of the information but told the chief that it’s simple economics. According to the new building codes during his remodeling and improvement project he was able to decommission and remove the system thus saving money on future costs of upkeep. In fact his insurance company told him that he would realize no savings from continuing to have his property protected 24 hours a day by a properly installed fire sprinkler system. Needless to say the chief and the entire department were incredulous.

Much to my chagrin the chief verified that the building code provisions do allow the removal. Obviously the fire service is ashamed that we allowed these things to happen. However, there are other opportunities for recourse. For instance, even only contacting a few insurance representatives it is obvious to me that significant discounts are available at many insurers for maintaining a fire sprinkler system in a business. Other locales have instituted new ordinances or begun education campaigns to challenge widely held, but false information about performance of the systems. There appears to be a lot to do.

We call ourselves “First Responders” but in reality we are the “Last Responders,” is a quote from retired Phoenix, AZ, Fire Chief Alan Brunacini. As I reviewed codes for this writing, consulted with insurance executives, and spoke to state and local authorities I realized that this is absolutely true. Firefighters are the last line of fire suppression in a usually desperate attempt to stop the progression of loss from fire. We react to a perceived emergency based on a series of choices that were made long before we were notified.

The building code, government, architect, builder, inspector, decorator, and even the owner all have input far in advance of our arrival. It is the conglomeration of their decisions that dictate our tactics and strategy. If we attempt to intervene early in the process, as with the International Code Council vote on residential sprinklers, we are vilified and accused of being nothing more than a special interest group. Ironic isn’t it that the very things that could make our job easier, or more difficult, are not within the purview of the fire department?

Rest assured that when called upon we will respond, commit resources, and mitigate the disaster to the best of our abilities. But also realize that we intend to become a force for change locally and nationally. Watered down building codes and safety requirements help no one, it is that early intervention and prevention that pays the best dividend. We will have safer communities, less loss, and as firefighters we will all get more sleep.