The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has adopted a resolution supporting a change to the International Residential Code (IRC) to require fire sprinklers in new single-family homes (IRC Proposal RB64-07/08). The IRC is the model code governing residential construction in 46 states plus the District of Columbia.

“IAFF’s support of this resolution emphasizes the importance of residential fire sprinklers to America’s firefighters, and we applaud their endorsement,” said Ronny J. Coleman, President of the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition and former California State Fire Marshal. “We hope that this will motivate even more firefighters to make the trip to ICC’s final action hearing to vote for residential sprinklers.”

The International Code Council’s (ICC) Final Action Hearing on changing the IRC to require fire sprinklers in new homes will take place from September 20-22 in Minneapolis, Minn. Firefighters who are properly registered prior to September 6th will be eligible to attend the hearing and vote on the proposed change. Information on registering can be found at www.IRCFireSprinkler.org.

Because of a procedural requirement in ICC’s rules, adoption of the change will require a two-thirds majority vote, so active participation by firefighters will be essential to winning the issue. Last year, a similar proposal nearly passed, falling less than 100 votes short of the required two-thirds majority. Supporters are determined to make up that difference in September.

The IAFF is an important addition to the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition. The list of supporters now includes more than 100 international, national and regional organizations, representing more than 200,000 firefighters, fire prevention officers and building safety professionals from 43 states and the District of Columbia. Other significant recent additions to the coalition include the International Association of Arson Investigators, Safe Kids USA, the Fire Marshals Association of Oklahoma and the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association.

About IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Founded in 2007, the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition has grown to include more than 100 international, national and regional public safety organizations, including associations representing 43 states and the District of Columbia, all of whom support the mission of promoting residential fire sprinkler systems as a standard feature in new home construction. The Coalition was formed to educate public policymakers on the value of residential sprinkler systems and to support related legislation. More information can be found at www.IRCFireSprinkler.org.