Paul Eichler is the chair of the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
Unfortunately, Delaware suffered two fire fatalities in December, to bring the 12-month total to 16 for 2024. Hopefully, there will not be any more as the year closes out. This is the second year in a row during which Delaware has had double-digit fire fatalities. Residential fires investigated and reported on by the Office of the State Fire Marshal in December alone have resulted in over $700,000 in damages. By following the social media posts of fire companies throughout the state, you can learn about additional recent residential fires that did not have any official media releases.
We can add to the news about the fires information that has recently come out about health threats from the exposure to nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Both of these chemicals are present in the smoke from burning petrochemical products. This is not news to the fire service, as these health threats have been documented from investigations of past fires (Stouffer’s Inn fire, 1980). What we need to keep in mind with the new information coming out is that civilians, firefighters and fire investigators are exposed to these chemicals during and after incidents due to the number of petrochemical items found in today’s homes. Do you have a polyester-covered, polyurethane foam couch or recliner in your home?
Also, more information has recently been released concerning a group of chemicals known as PFAS being found in firefighting gear besides coats and pants. This basically means that, every time firefighters put their gear on, they are exposed to cancer-causing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Please also pay attention to the continuing Delaware residential development explosion. Talks have started in New Castle County about cluster neighborhoods to address affordable housing. Cluster housing also means residences built closer together, with limited access for fire apparatuses.
The reasons for building with residential fire sprinkler systems keep growing. We continuously see reports of sprinkler saves as reported by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, which translates into lives saved, property protected and environmental impact from fire, smoke, heat and water runoff significantly reduced.
We will continue our efforts in 2025 to convince municipal leaders to leave the residential fire sprinkler requirement in their adopted residential building codes, as well as work with all Delaware fire companies and agencies to promote the installation and maintenance of these proven lifesaving systems.
And a little icing on the fire safety cake here: Please take a look at the tips provided by the state fire marshal.
Thanks and safely enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
