WALKER, Mich. — The proposed changes to building codes in Michigan could make new homes more expensive.
However, the Walker Fire Department said the installation of sprinkler systems in newly built homes could be the difference between life and death.
“From the fire service perspective, we fully support residential sprinkler systems in single-family homes,” Fire Marshal Kevin DeGroot said.
DeGroot has been with the Walker Fire Department for almost 30 years and has seen his share of disasters. He said the way homes are built now poses a bigger concern for homes without sprinkler systems.
“We have a lot more lightweight construction and under normal conditions it's super strong, but under fire conditions it weakens very quickly,” DeGroot said. Unlike a sprinkler system, a smoke detector requires regular attention, battery replacement and testing and people often fall behind at maintaining the proper care and functionality of their smoke alarm which poses a significant fire and safety concern.
He said a sprinkler system works around the clock, even when people are sleeping, to protect them from a fire.
“To have the fire sprinklers there they will automatically go off and they will control that fire small that keeps the room from going into a fire condition that we call flashover which is extreme heat and makes it safer for firefighters, too,” DeGroot said.
John Bitely, president of Sables Homes Construction believes a simple smoke detector would do the trick instead of the costly price to install a residential sprinkler system.
“The consumer would have to pay that to buy this house and it would be the same thing except it would have sprinklers versus the other. There's no real increment in safety between having sprinklers and having a working smoke detector,” Bitely said.
A statement from the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) reads in part:
“Adopting internationally recognized codes, beyond being required by statute, ensures the state is best positioned to leverage new building techniques and materials to reduce construction costs, improve energy efficiency, and provide for safer residential and commercial structures.”
DeGroot said it’s an investment, but it protects families 24 hours a day.
“Smoke alarm gives us great advanced warning. if they have the correct power, as long as they're working. that kind of thing. it will warn us, however, smoke alarms don't do anything to stop the fire from progressing. it doesn't do anything to control that fire.”
For more information about residential sprinkler systems, visit the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
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