13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Fire sprinklers could be mandatory for new homes

Fire sprinklers could be mandatory for new homes

Fishers - Fire departments say that like smoke detectors, fire sprinklers save lives. There is a plan to require sprinkler systems in new Indiana homes and across the nation beginning in 2011. It could cost homeowners if fire officials think it's worth the investment.

Fire sprinklers are used in commercial buildings and stores, but soon, home fire sprinklers may be as common as copper pipes. The international group that sets residential building codes in nearly every state voted to make fire sprinklers mandatory in new homes and townhouses starting in just over three years, a measure long supported by fire officials.

"I think you'll find that any proactive fire department is going to support this because it will ultimately save lives," said Captain Ron Lipps, Fishers Fire Department.

Supporters of home fire sprinklers say they increase the amount of time people have to get out of their homes during a fire while preventing a flashover, which is when a room bursts into flames. Fire departments say that new homes use lighter weight materials including plastics that are highly combustible.

"We can have an entire room involved in fire in five minutes. If the average response time for a fire truck is six minutes, by the time we get there, anybody in that room is dead. This sprinkler head can act in less than 2 minutes or less," said Capt. Lipps.

For the past 15 years, the town of Fishers has required that new home builders offer sprinklers as an option to buyers. According to one major home builder, it's not a popular option.

"In 15 years, no one's purchased one," said Alan Goldsticker, Ryland Homes president.

The National Association of Home Builders is opposed, saying that there isn't enough evidence to support making sprinklers mandatory which will also increase the cost of the homes - perhaps by as much as $4,000 comparable to the cost of adding granite counter tops.

"It will definitely add costs and maintenance and so forth. It's really up to the buyers. But if it's required, we'll all do it," said Goldsticker.

Fire officials say adding an extra $1 to $2 per square foot to the cost of a new home reduces fire losses and will drive down insurance costs.