Sprinklers Make Splash at October Washington Prevention Institute
After missing a year due to COVID restrictions, it felt a little like a family reunion as the Washington Association of State Fire Marshals Prevention Institute rolled out in Chelan, Washington in mid-October. The topic of fire sprinklers was covered in several different forums, including representation at the vendor show and in several different breakout sessions.
On behalf of the Washington Residential Fire Sprinkler Coalition, I collaborated with Moore Fire Protections' Tiffany Iocolucci to design an interactive poster to track fire sprinkler rules across the state of Washington. The ten jurisdictions that require fire sprinklers in all new homes were represented with a gold star fire sprinkler, while those requiring sprinklers in townhomes were noted with a silver star sprinkler and those with requirements for various square feet or access issues were listed with a bronze star sprinkler. The next iteration will include a "thought bubble" sprinkler to note which jurisdictions are working towards residential sprinkler requirements.
Many other sprinkler manufacturers, suppliers and contractors were represented at this annual event. Local 699's Scott Peterson led a breakout session that included a Q/A with the State Fire Marshals Office regarding enforcement of licensing requirements. Terry Criswell of Reliance Fire Protection, who also trains sprinkler fitter apprentices for Local 699, reviewed fire sprinkler installation criteria and how that translates to the field.
NFSA's Jeff Hugo and Potter Electric Signal Company's Jason Webb presented a session on Code Enforcement in the Age of Information, Automation, & Integration. In today's era of smart, integrated devices and systems, more and more code-related inspections and tests are being performed either by a third party who generates a record, or on a constant basis and monitored electronically. Drawing on their experience as former AHJs, Jeff and Jason discussed not only how the current state of codes and standards regulating these activities stand, but more importantly, where they may be headed in the future.
NFSA and Local 699 presented the Washington State Fire Marshal Association with a check from the annual Sprinklerman Shootout for $2,000 to support WASFM's education programs. NFSA is proud to support WASFM and its Fire Prevention Institute!
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Suzanne Mayr
Northwest Regional Manager
National Fire Sprinkler Association
Tacoma WA
253-208-8467
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