Schenectady, N.Y., Apartment Fire Kept at Bay by Sprinklers
from Times Union – May 3, 2009
A resident of Summit Towers apartments in Schenectady, N.Y., had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in the living room of their home. No other apartments were affected by the fire. The building's sprinkler system kept the fire at bay long enough for firefighters to safely evacuate the resident, Schenectady Deputy Chief Michael Gillespie said. More

Minnesota Building Saved by Sprinklers
from KAAL – May 5, 2009
Several people are safe after a fire forced them from their Austin, Minn., apartment. The fire chief says the apartment had a sprinkler system which ultimately saved the building. He also says this is should be a lesson to all property owners. "Put your fire protection into the building, and your building will remain," said Austin Fire Chief Dan Wilson. More

May 7 Webinar - Specific Application Sprinklers
from AFSA – April 22, 2009
Held Thursday, May 7, 11:00 AM CST, this 90-minute seminar will address the unique risks associated with combustible attic spaces and combustible spaces between floors. This seminar will examine these risks, understand NFPA’s protection requirements, and introduce the use and application of Specific Application Sprinklers specifically listed to protect these occupancies. This seminar offers 1.5 CPDs and/or 0.15 CEUs. More

Wisconsin High Court Douses Builders' Sprinkler Suit
from Firehouse.com – April 29, 2009
In the aftermath of its failed lawsuit, the Wisconsin Builders Association is debating whether to keep fighting state rules requiring fire sprinklers in apartment buildings. The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected a WBA appeal in a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin Department of Commerce rules requiring sprinklers in residential buildings with more than three units. The state since March 2008 has required sprinklers in buildings with more than eight units, but smaller projects with eight or fewer apartments or condos will be hit hardest, said Brad Boycks, WBA director of government and political affairs. The rules will not affect buildings with fewer than eight units until 2011. More

Keep Sprinklers in Mid-Smith, Pa.
from Pocono Record – May 4, 2009
Middle Smithfield Township Supervisors in Pennsylvania could serve as leaders in the Poconos for advocating public safety in new construction. Instead, they may go backward. The township Planning Commission voted recently to recommend to supervisors several alterations to the current building code. Among the changes, the township proposes to allow taller buildings, and would loosen its current stringent sprinkler requirement. Supervisors will discuss the zoning changes, and may vote on them, at a meeting Thursday, May 14, — hardly a convenient time for many concerned citizens, but that's another editorial. More

Commission OKs Sprinklers for Adult Daycare Program
from Herald & Tribune - May 1, 2009
A bid of $68,892 was approved for the sprinkler system at the Country Farm for an adult daycare program in Jonesborough, Tenn. The “wet and dry system” will be installed by Simplex Grinnell LP. Sprinklers are required by the State Fire Marshal in order for an Adult Day-Care facility to be opened for persons with “memory disorders.” A similar facility is currently in operation at Keystone School in Johnson City, Tenn. More

NFPA Warns Against Anti-Sprinker Efforts
from Firehouse.com – May 5, 2009
Citing the fact that more than 90 percent of fireground firefighter deaths occur in one- and two-family homes, leading fire service organizations warned against state-by-state legislative efforts, orchestrated by homebuilders, which are designed to prohibit communities from requiring residential fire sprinklers in new home construction. Fire service groups are reiterating their strong support for sprinklers in the wake of several legislative attempts across the country. More