Home Fire Sprinkler Incentives Become Law in Washington State

According to Maria Figueroa, Regional Manager, Fire Prevention Field Office, announced her in NFPA blog post that Home fire sprinkler incentives become law in Washington state.


The State of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has signed into law legislation providing financial incentives and removing certain barriers impacting the installation of fire sprinkler systems in homes.
 

HB1295 was passed in the House. Its companion, SB5206 , moved quickly through the Senate and was submitted to the governor for The law, which takes effect on July 11, 2011, “exempts homeowners who install fire sprinkler systems from paying the fire operations portion of the impact fee and establishes a fund to be used, in part, for “developing and publishing educational materials related to the effectiveness of residential fire sprinklers.” 

As found on the governor’s website; “…Chris Gregoire has delivered real results to the people of Washington. Combining effective leadership with a tireless work ethic, she has shown time and again that she has the courage and independence to stand up and fight for individuals and families.” With this action, the governor recognizes the community benefits of home fire sprinkler systems. By removing certain barriers this law facilitates the adoption of home fire sprinkler requirements by communities in the state.

Removing barriers to home fire sprinkler adoptions has become a primary target of the Washington Fire Sprinkler Coalition ,while they continue to pursue the goal of obtaining statewide adoption of the home fire sprinkler requirement. According to Greg Rogers, its chair; “the coalition continues to be doing some very exciting things”


This is a big break for the fire sprinkler industry and it makes home fire sprinklers more affordable with reduced impact fees. Do you need talking points about residential fire sprinklers? Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. The single most effective way to prevent fire-related deaths is the installation of residential fire sprinklers. Combined with smoke alarms, they cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 82% compared to having neither. Don't miss an opportunity to mention and talk about sprinklers in the home (or not in the home) during fire incidents in your community. 

Check out this link for an excellent resource: NFPA.org Sprinkler Safety Talking Points