IAFC Expresses Condolences for Victims of Baltimore Fire

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) expresses its deep condolences to the family and friends of six young children who reportedly perished during a residential house fire Thursday in Baltimore, Md. We commend the first responders who responded to the tragic scene.

Most unfortunately, despite many advances in recent years in fire prevention and fire suppression, our nation still has a serious problem with home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires cause the majority of all civilian fire deaths, civilian injuries and property loss due to fire in the United States.

The IAFC continues to call for every home to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Further, the IAFC reiterates its policy that all new construction, including one- and two-family dwellings, should be built with residential fire sprinklers.

The outcome of the Baltimore fire may not have been different as codes enacted today are not retroactive, but we must look toward tomorrow. The risk of loss of life due to residential house fire can be significantly reduced if we employ known, effective technologies such as residential sprinklers.

We urge the public to consider installation of residential fire sprinklers in their homes. We urge all fire service organizations, and organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders, to join us in making all homes as safe as possible for residents and firefighters.

IAFC Policy: Fire Sprinklers in New Construction
 
NFPA Sprinkler Resources