EXTERIOR FIRE SPRINKLERS SAVED 188 PROPERTIES WET HOMES DON’T BURN
EXTERIOR SPRINKLERS
The 2007 Ham Lake Minnesota Fire, looking west from Gunflint Lake Rd. on May 9, 2007
FEMA provided 75% of the cost of installation, and more than 180 sprinkler systems were installed for homes and business on the Gunflint Trail. Since then, the number of sprinkler systems on the Gunflint Trail has more than doubled. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided grants to fund wildfire sprinkler systems in the past. FEMA also provides grants for other wildfire mitigation activities.
Wildfire Actions FEMA.govhttps://www.fema.gov › disaster › wildfire-actions Jan 12, 2025 — FEMA continues to support state-led wildfire fighting efforts through a variety of grant programs.
The impact of the high-severity Ham Lake Fire. The story of the resistance to exterior fire sprinklers illuminates a crippling dichotomy between the structural fire protection and wildland fire communities. But first, the good news.Exterior-fire-sprinklers systems work, are affordable, and can be easily installed. For full story CLICK-LINK https://chaparralwisdom.org/2018/12/07/exterior-fire-sprinklers-saved-188-properties-wet-homes-dont-burn/
Wet Homes Don"t Burn !!
If only all homes in Paradise and all other towns and cities in wildfire risk areas that burned down over last 20 years had rooftop sprinklers installed as the 188 homes in Ham Lake Minnesota did many homes and lives would of been saved !
California, where fires can quickly spread into residential areas, is America’s epicenter for costly blazes. There have been 19 wildland fires that have incurred at least $1 billion in insured losses in 2024 dollars, and only three of them including Lahaina have happened outside the Golden State.
The 2018 Camp Fire, which developed from a fire in Butte County, California, into an urban firestorm, may have only burned 15% as much land as Smokehouse Creek, but it incurred more than 2,000 times as much financial damage $12.5 billion in insured losses alone, plus another $4 billion uninsured. It destroyed nearly 19,000 structures and killed 85 people.
In light of wildfire codes below already in place and how many homes that burned down in last 10 years due to less than 1 % of homes having exterior rooftop sprinklers it seems imperative that exterior sprinklers become mandatory.
According to the 2022 ICC codes, for wildfire areas, the relevant section for exterior sprinkler requirements would be found in Chapter 49 "Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas" within the California Fire Code, which specifies design and installation details for sprinkler systems intended to protect buildings against wildfire exposure, particularly in areas with high fire risk due to vegetation and topography.
Key points about exterior sprinkler codes for wildfire areas in the ICC 2022:
Specific design considerations: Sprinkler systems in wildfire areas may need to be designed with higher water pressure and flow rates to effectively combat potential wildfire spread.
Placement and coverage: Sprinklers should be strategically placed around the building perimeter, including near openings, to provide maximum coverage against radiant heat from a wildfire.
NFPA 13 compliance: While specific requirements may vary based on local jurisdiction, most exterior sprinkler systems in wildfire areas will need to comply with NFPA 13 standards for sprinkler installation.
Important aspects to consider when referencing the California Fire Code Chapter 49: Vegetation management: The code may require specific vegetation management practices around buildings to create defensible space and reduce fire fuel.
Building material In wildfire areas, exterior sprinkler codes typically reference NFPA 13 and local building codes, with a particular emphasis on sections regarding "exposure protection" which mandate sprinkler systems on exterior walls and projections facing high fire risk areas, particularly in designated "Fire Hazard Severity Zones" where the risk of wildfire spread is high; these codes may require sprinklers on balconies, canopies, and other exterior features exceeding a certain size or depth depending on local regulations.
Key points about wildfire area exterior sprinkler codes: NFPA 13 as the primary standard: Most wildfire area sprinkler codes are based on the NFPA 13 standard for sprinkler system installation, which outlines design and coverage requirements for different types of buildings and occupancies.
Exposure protection focus: Sections within NFPA 13 related to "exposure protection" are particularly relevant in wildfire zones, requiring sprinklers on exterior walls and projections to prevent fire spread from neighboring properties.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones: Local building codes often incorporate "Fire Hazard Severity Zones" designated by state or local authorities, which determine the level of exterior sprinkler protection needed based on wildfire risks: Regulations might specify fire-resistant building materials for exterior walls and roofs to further mitigate wildfire risk.
Local agency requirements: Always check with your local building department for any additional wildfire-specific sprinkler requirements that may apply to your area.
Insurance companies have been raising rates for home fire insurance by as much as 1000% or more in California wildfire risk areas since the Santa Rosa and Paradise fires. Depending on how far away homes are from nearest fire station is 1 factor that determines price and or declining to insure homes they deem to be to risky. Just weeks before recent LA wildfires many fire insurance policies were canceled leaving many homeowners with no insurance to cover their homes which seems unethical and perhaps illegal if not enough time was given for homeowners to find a new insurance policy.
To address the increasing risk of wildfires, the California Fair Plan has recently introduced a proactive initiative aimed at helping homeowners strengthen their properties to mitigate potential fire hazards. Introduced on August 23, 2023, these exclusive discounts are designed to apply across the full spectrum of Dwelling Fire Policies seamlessly.
Whether you’re getting a new insurance policy, renewing your current one, or making changes to it, you can be sure that these discounts are designed to meet your home hardening requirements. Below are the details of the California Fair Plan Insurance Discounts, specifically crafted to strengthen homes against the threat of wildfires.
Understanding California Fair Plan Insurance
This plan is an insurance program designed to provide coverage to homeowners who face challenges obtaining insurance due to high-risk factors such as wildfire exposure. The Fair Plan is accessible to urban and rural California residents and businesses who cannot secure insurance from conventional insurance providers. While it offers essential coverage, homeowners can take additional steps to mitigate risk and qualify for discounts.
Discount Details of California Fair Plan Insurance
CA Fair Plan’s new set of discounts includes a 10% reduction for protecting the structure and a 5% reduction for protecting the immediate surroundings of the dwelling. Homeowners eligible for both discounts can enjoy a combined discount of approximately 14.5%.
To be eligible for these valuable discounts, homeowners are required to ensure that their residences comply with specified home hardening criteria. Properties meeting the qualifying criteria will undergo an inspection to verify eligibility, and discounts may be rescinded if the property does not meet the stipulated requirements.
Discount 1: Protecting the Structure (10% Savings)
This discount depends on reinforcing the essential structure of the property. Eligibility for this discount requires:
Class A Fire-Rated Roof
Materials for a Class A Fire-Rated Roof encompass a range of options, such as fiberglass composition for asphalt shingles, stone, concrete, clay tile, or metal. This diverse selection ensures homeowners have choices that not only suit their aesthetic preferences but also adhere to stringent fire safety standards. Implementing these materials enhances fire resistance, significantly strengthening your property’s protective measures.
Ember and Fire Resistant Vents
When it comes to safeguarding your home against ember intrusion, installing vents is a crucial step. The fire resistant vents act as a formidable barrier, preventing embers from infiltrating your home through vulnerable points like the attic or crawl spaces. Take an additional security measure by utilizing approved wire mesh coverings on vents, effectively enhancing your defense against ember penetration. By integrating these features, you fortify your property with an added layer of protection, ensuring a more resilient and fire-resistant dwelling.
Window and Ventilation Protections
Installing ember-resistant vents and protective measures for windows is another crucial aspect of home hardening. Double-paned windows, tempered glass, and fire-resistant shutters can prevent radiant heat and embers from entering your home. Additionally, multi-paned windows are used for increased protection against heat and embers. Recognizing these enhancements, homeowners can take advantage of discounts by fortifying their properties.
Enclosed Eaves
Beyond the inherent security benefits, adopting enclosed eaves becomes a financially savvy decision. Homeowners prioritizing this mandatory measure can unlock a 10% savings on their overall fire ember protection. This not only makes your home more resilient to the unpredictable nature of wildfires but also ensures that economic advantages accompany your investment in safety.
Discount 2: Protecting the Immediate Surroundings (5% Savings)
This discount emphasizes the importance of securing the immediate surroundings of the property. Eligibility for this discount requires:
Defensible Space
Clear a five-foot zone around the dwelling, including fencing, to prevent ember reach. By doing so, you create a safer environment and signal your commitment to risk reduction, potentially earning valuable discounts from California Fair Plan Insurance.
Clearance of Vegetation
Ensuring a fire-safe environment around your home is crucial for wildfire prevention. One key measure involves mandatory clearance of vegetation and debris beneath decks. This practice minimizes the risk of embers igniting accumulated materials, providing an essential line of defense against potential wildfires.
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What prevented mandatory exterior sprinkler legislation in light of all the destruction and devastation over last 20 years ?
Could it be fire insurance companies, special interest groups, politicians and others within the fire safety industry that make decisions about fire codes put $ over public safety as a group insurance companies that established the NFPA that kept indoor sprinklers out of homes for over a century ? See articles on Indoor Fire Sprinklers page that certainly suggest it is the likely reason !
Please join our effort to make exterior sprinklers / home hardening / defensible landscaping mandatory in wildfire risk areas in California and hopefully in all other States. Click Contact Us to leave message & your email address for updates and if you need a referral for a licensed & certified contractor for any of these fire preventive solutions for your home !
An Exterior Sprinkler Manual System DIY kit can be purchased for between $300 to $1000 depending on size of home and installed in a few hours. Those systems are better than no sprinklers at all however do not protect under the eaves and do not include foam additive options or alternative water supply tanks a custom designed system installed by a certified / licensed sprinkler company could provide. Automated Rooftop Sprinklers that include under eaves sprinklers and wildfire sensor technology that can detect fires up to 7 miles away and send alerts via app to your cell phone cost approximately $10 a sq ft including professional installation. A 2000 sq ft house would cost about $20,000 but financing is offered by most companies. An exterior sprinkler system should be added in addition to home hardening and defensible landscaping for best protection. See Fire Resistant Homes page for more info.