After years of documenting reports of fire sprinklers saving buildings and properties in Illinois, the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) announces a new online fire sprinkler saves interactive map that simplifies locating and reading these success stories. Users can easily locate fire sprinkler saves on the map and read details about each save. A separate online submission form simplifies reporting of fire sprinkler saves that are added to the NIFSAB collection.
For more than 20 years, NIFSAB has recorded and documented fires in buildings where at least one fire sprinkler activated and controlled or extinguished the fires. The information is compiled from media coverage and fire sprinkler save reports from members of the fire service, building officials, and members of the fire protection industry. A typical save includes the building type (commercial buildings and residential, such as one- and two-family homes, multifamily, high-rise, senior housing, campus housing, and hotels). It also includes the cause of the fire, number of fire sprinklers that activated, room of fire origin, if there were occupants, reported injuries, and estimated value of property saved.
According to Erik Hoffer, NIFSAB executive director, this detailed information provides further education that supports the vital role sprinklers play in communities. The information is especially important for reference when communities are upgrading or adopting fire and building codes. It also underscores the need for building owners and managers to ensure the fire sprinklers in their buildings are routinely inspected, tested, and maintained.
The NIFSAB fire sprinkler save submission form also allows for photos and quotes to be submitted to further enhance the success stories. As an incentive, fire service members who complete the form will receive a collectible NIFSAB challenge coin. The fire sprinkler saves interactive map resides on NIFSAB’s website and is updated quarterly.
“There is nothing more compelling than a fire sprinkler save to support codes that require fire sprinklers, especially when the sprinkler activation resulted in a life saved or prevention of major property damage,” Hoffer said.
“We have seen an increase in fire departments submitting sprinkler saves using our form and sending the information to their local media. The best saves include a quote from the fire chief or fire marshal about what the potential outcome may have been without fire sprinklers,” Hoffer added.
To submit a fire sprinkler save, fill out the form: https://firesprinklerassoc.org/sprinkler-saves-submission-form/
To view the fire sprinkler saves interactive map: https://firesprinklerassoc.org/fire-sprinkler-saves-interactive-map/
To view Interactive Map on a desktop browser:
- To see details about a save, hover your cursor over a star. Click on the star to keep the details showing.
- Use the selector buttons to select a particular location, building type or year.
- Use the Reset Map button to return to the full map.
To view Interactive Map on a mobile device:
- To see details about a save, touch and hold on a star. Press and release on the star to keep the details showing.
- Use the selector buttons to select a particular location, building type or year.
- Use the Reset Map button to return to the full map.