Essa firefighter demonstrate need for residential fire sprinklers

ESSA TWP. In the event of a fire, using your own water until firefighters arrive could save property, and lives.

Why sprinkler systems are a sound idea in rural homes was made evident during a demonstration held Friday at the Essa Agri-Plex, southwest of Barrie.

Dozens of fire officials from across central Ontario attended a side-by-side burn demonstration, hosted by the Essa Township fire department, to showcase the value and effectiveness of residential fire sprinklers.

Two buildings, each the size of a large garden shed with one wall removed, contained a couch, a fresh, natural Christmas tree and a few other items. One shed had a sprinkler system, and one did not.

Fire crews stood at the ready and the unprotected shed was torched. While its working smoke alarm sounded, flames continued to spread and within a minute or so, there was a ball of flame almost the size of the interior with temperatures in the ceiling reaching approximately 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The natural tree was badly scorched but the rest of the interior was blackened and burned.

The sprinklered shed was later ignited and with its sprinklers, was barely damaged.

"We believe that residential fire sprinklers benefit all home owners," said Essa Township Fire Chief Cynthia Ross Tustin. "Our initiative is aimed at educating everyone about their benefits and, in particular since there have been improvements in technology, highlight the fact that they are now a reasonable, viable option for property owners who are not connected to a water supply.

"Modern building materials and today's household goods have drastically reduced the time families have for getting out safely in the event of a fire," she, noting that laminated beams and flooring, veneered cabinets and synthetics all make for faster-developing fires that are more challenging to fight.

"All those products are wonderful, but not when they catch fire.

"Our side-by-side burn demonstration is designed to showcase how residential sprinklers can improve public safety while offsetting the challenges of rural firefighting. It has a unique set of challenges due to the time it takes to muster firefighters, longer travel times over greater distances and because we must bring out our own water."

Read more:
Essa firefighter demonstrate need for residential fire sprinklers