Saving lives is more important than saving money

The very first sprinkler system was invented in 1812 and was installed in a theater in London, England. Over the past 100 years and more, these systems have seen improvements.

Contrary to popular belief, when a fire causes the sprinkler system to activate, only the sprinkler heads around the fire will activate. This activation won’t allow the fire to grow, thereby reducing the fire until firefighters get there and engage in final extinguishment.

How sad to read that anyone would put the cost savings of not installing a sprinkler system ahead of what a sprinkler system does — save lives (Oct. 24 letter, “Would Sprinkler Law Benefits Outweight Cost?”).

Second, they reduce the potential for firefighter injuries and deaths. Fire-spread is rapid. A fire may get to a flashover condition, whereby everything inside that room simultaneously ignites in flames. This creates a very dangerous condition for firefighters and occupants. Surviving a flashover rarely occurs. Even a fully protected firefighter has about 15 seconds to escape. Because of lightweight construction, consumables made of plastic and other synthetic materials, fires are burning and spreading much faster today than in years past.

There are no reports of multiple fatalities in a structure that had a properly working sprinkler system. They offer time to escape the building. A sprinkled room keeps the fire contained, limiting property damage and fire spread. Rooms unprotected can reach 1,000 degrees. Sprinkler systems are designed to activate at 150 degrees.

Too many lives have been lost without them. The cost of even one life being saved is definitely worth the cost of a sprinkler system.

ANDY MARSH

Morningside

The writer is a certified public fire and life safety educator.