With the vast majority of U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes, a recent live fire demonstration vividly showed the potential deadly destruction from home fires compared to the life-saving impact of home fire sprinklers. The event, held by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Massachusetts Fire Sprinkler Coalition, informed members of the Massachusetts Building Commissioners and Inspectors Association about home fire risks and the home fire sprinkler solution.

In 2013, home fires caused nearly 2,800 deaths out of more than 3,000 total fire deaths and injured more than 12,000 others nationally. Home fire sprinklers can reduce home fire deaths by about 80 percent and direct property damage by about 70 percent, according to NFPA research.

Home fires in Massachusetts pose one of the biggest safety risks to its residents. More than 57,000 fires occurred in one- and two-family homes throughout the Bay State causing more than 200 deaths and more than $829 million in property damage. The national average cost for home fire sprinkler systems is $1.35 per sprinklered square foot. Many Americans pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades or granite countertops.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.