RESOLUTION: ILLINOIS FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION
On October 9, 2011, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association created a resolution in support of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s proposal:
WHEREAS, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association recognizes the current National Fire Protection Association’s “Life Safety Code” (LSC), that is enforced by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is the 2002 edition; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is proposing to update the National Fire Protection Association’s “Life Safety Code” (LSC), to the 2012 edition; and Whereas, the existing code was drafted in 1990’s, and does not address a wide variety of public and fire safety concepts adopted by buildings and codes in the decade since it was drafted. By updating the LSC to the 2012 edition, the OSFM will have the opportunity to enforce a safety code that more accurately reflects today’s society, norms and safety concerns; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 LSC recognizes today’s emphasis on sustainability by adding a new chapter (“Building Rehabilitation) to promote the adaptive reuse of existing buildings without sacrificing needed life safety; and
WHEREAS, The LSC necessarily references dozens of other standards that regulate fire prevention and life safety. Since the 2000 LSC was adopted by Illinois, it has been updated four times (i.e., 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012). Current application of the 2000 LSC is hampered by reference to outdated standards published in the 1990s. By updating to the 2012 LSC, the OSFM seeks to ensure that the latest edition of these other standards drive the design and installation of important building systems and equipment; and
WHEREAS, the updates to LSC editions adopted since 2002 are driven by real-life tragedies; and
WHEREAS, The LSC recognizes that over 80% of all fire deaths occur in single-family homes. Since 2007, over 400 civilians and firefighters have lost their lives and 5,090 were injured in Illinois residential fires. At the same time, Illinois residential fire property loss exceeded $1.2 billion, with an average property loss per fire of $17,540. As a result, and since its 2006 edition, the LSC has required automatic fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed one-and two-family dwellings; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Illinois Fire Chiefs’ Association Executive Board did on the 9th Day of October, 2011, unanimously approve this Resolution to support the Office of the State Fire Marshal in their efforts to adopt the National Fire Protection Association’s “Life Safety Code” to the 2012 edition.
Illinois Fire Services Association Fire Sprinkler Resolution 2009-01
A RESOLUTION SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE REQUIREMENT FOR FIRE SPRINKLERS IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS AND TOWNHOUSES IN ILLINOIS
The Illinois Fire Services Association adopts this Resolution that all new construction, including one and two-family dwellings, should be built with fire sprinklers installed to protect the public, fire service personnel, the structure, its contents, the economy and the environment.
General Statement
In an effort to reduce the number of deaths from an average of 3,000 citizens and 100 firefighters annually and to avert billions of dollars annually in property loss to effects of fire, we must include fire sprinklers as an integral part of a community’s fire protection. The increase demands made today on local fire departments, usually without increased staffing or funding, and the changes in building materials and home contents, all increase the risk to firefighters and the public. It’s time to add active fire protection as a baseline in all new construction.
Home fire sprinkler systems respond quickly to reduce heat, flames, and smoke from a fire, giving residents valuable time to get out safely and can significantly reduce property loss and damage due to a fire. By installing these life-saving devices in new homes a large number of residents are ensured that they can enjoy the same level of safety found in many offices, schools, apartments, and public buildings.
Now is the time for the fire service to adapt to the changes in construction techniques; new technologies have become the norm in construction (light-weight construction, etc.), and building contents have become more flammable and more toxic smoke. We must meet these changes and protect our communities in proactive, rather than reactive, approaches. The current built environment and furnishings have significantly reduced the time firefighters have to conduct firefighting operations which therefore have necessitated the additional protection of built-in fire protection. Fire sprinklers provide the active protection needed to reduce the fire risk associated with these new buildings components to citizens and firefighters.
We further state that we do not support and will oppose regulations that prevent or discourage the installation of fire sprinklers. We also stand against fees and changes that create economic barriers to the installation of fire sprinklers. We support incentives for business owners and citizens to protect their buildings, thus protecting our citizen, their property and fire service personnel.
This Resolution support the priorities of the Illinois Fire Services Association and we pledge to work with the National Fire protection Association (NFPS) and other organizations which are interested in being proactive in providing community fire protection. We welcome partners and collaborative efforts that support similar goals. It is time for us all to take action and work together to protect lives, property and the environment.
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Illinois Fire Service Association is comprised of 13 statewide active fire service organization within the confines of the State of Illinois whose purpose is to promote and coordinate the activities of the major fire organizations toward a more effective program regarding the safety to life and property of all our citizens and to better represent the fire service of the State of Illinois legislatively; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Fire Services Association considers it unacceptable that in the 21st century, more than 3,000 people in the United States are killed in fires each year, with an overwhelming number of these deaths occurring in homes; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Fire Services Association desires to have a positive and consequential impact on reducing the nation’s losses due to fire; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Fire Services Association recognizes that fire sprinklers represent a proven, reliable, efficient and effective method of protecting life and property in both commercial and residential occupancies;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Illinois Fire Services Association supports the adoption of fire safety and building codes, including the International residential Code and National Fire Protection Association Sprinkler Code, requiring fire sprinkler systems in all new residential structures throughout the State of Illinois.
