IRC Fire Sprinkler Code Change Update

Anthony C. Apfelbeck, CFPS, CBO International Association of Fire Chiefs/ Fire

and Life Safety Section

Historic Effort

The single most important effort that we will see in our lifetime

to improve citizen safety, firefighter safety and property

protection.

Statistics Support This Statement

The Problem:Civilian Deaths

78% of all structure fires occur in residential properties

84% of civilian fire deaths occur in the home

Fire Sprinklers reduce the civilian death rate by at least 63% in SFD

The Problem:Firefighter Deaths

1997-2006 250 Firefighters killed in structure fires− 246 killed in non-sprinklered

buildings− 4 were killed in buildings protected

by an operational fire sprinkler system 1 non-sprinklered attic fire 3 explosion at a pesticide plant

Background The International Residential Code

(IRC) is promulgated by the International Code Council

IRC is adopted as the base code for one-and two-family dwelling construction in 46 states.

IRC is adopted in Florida as part of the Florida Building Code

Background Adoptable Annex placed in the 2003

IRC which jurisdictions could adopt to require fire sprinklers

Ultimate goal was to place a requirement in the core text of the IRC for fire sprinklers in one-and two-family dwellings

Every 18 months the IRC is amended in national code hearings

Came close in Rochester 2007 with 55% of the vote (need 66%)

IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition Formed in 2007

Mission is to:− Promote the health, safety and

welfare of the public and emergency responders by supporting the installation of fire sprinklers in residential occupancies.

President is Ron Coleman, Retired California State Fire Marshal

IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition Broad Fire Service Membership

− IAFC Resolution of support

− IAFF Resolution of support

− FFMIA Resolution of support

− FFCA Resolution of support

− 110+ Other Associations and Organizations Across the Nation

Minneapolis Vote IRC Sprinkler Coalition

− Grass Roots Effort− Mostly Fire Service− Funding

NAHB− Adamantly Opposed− Funding− Some Building Officials

Typical code change has 300-400 people voting

Minneapolis IRC Vote Sprinkler Proposals had 1,752 people

voting

Need 66% to pass= 1,168

Received 73%=1,282

What happened in Minneapolis with respect

to Residential Fire Sprinklers?

Two code changes were approved:− 1. Modifies the next edition of the

International Residential Code by requiring fire sprinklers in all new townhouses as soon as the code is adopted and;

− 2. Modifies the next edition of the International Residential Code to require fire sprinklers in all new one-and two-family dwellings effective January 1, 2011.

Impact on Florida Media Inquiries

Will be decided in one of two venues:− Legislature

FHBA FFCA/FFMIA

− Florida Building Commission Will consider adopting the 2009 IRC in

the next 24 months Adoption date late 2011/early 2012

What is the State Strategy?

Stay Tuned. . .

Must involve a partnership of FFCA, FFMIA and FPFF

Opposition may come from FHBA and some Building Officials− Fire service has been accused of

“hijacking the code development process”

What Can You Do? Meet with your Building Official and educate

Meet with your Water Purveyor and educate

Give your City/County Manager and Commission/Council a heads up

Get your local involved and educated

Encourage participation by your FM staff at the state level

Be prepared to send staff to the ICC Code Hearings next year

Think about implementation issues

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Special Recognition Tim Ippolitto, Casselberry

Wendy Niles, Lake Mary

Tim Robles, Sanford

Orlando Nunez, Sanford

Jim White, Winter Park

Steve Peavey, Altamonte Springs

Resources Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

− www.homefiresprinkler.org

IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition− www.IRCFireSprinkler.org

National Fire Protection Association− www.NFPA.org

Handouts− IAFC Press Release− Q & A on Residential Fire Sprinklers

−Questions?