The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) celebrated our 60th Annual Fire Prevention Conference in Ft. Myers, Florida November 3-6, 2008. Among the many speakers and attendees was former United States Congressman Curt Weldon who was our banquet keynote speaker.

FFMIA officers hold two year positions with regional directors elected during even years and officers during odd years. I am pleased to announce the following appointees to the Board of Directors:
Northwest Florida 

       Tambre Lee                        Reappointed
Northeast Florida                            

       Bob Ratliff                          1st Term               
West Central Florida                      

       Foster Gover                      Reappointed
East Central Florida                        

       Wendy Niles                      1st Term
Southwest Florida                          

       Ed Riley                            Reappointed
Southeast Florida  

       Walt Reed                        Reappointed

Congratulations to the recipients of the following awards:
Fire Marshal of the Year    

       Foster Grover, Southern Manatee Fire District
Fire Inspector of the Year 

       Maurice Majszak, Tallahassee Fire Department
Fire Investigator of the Year 

       Major Mark Sauls, State Fire Marshals Office
Public Educator of the Year

       Trish Dunkleman, Delray Beach Fire Rescue

In addition, FFMIA recognized Bart Wright and John Lake as outgoing regional directors. Bart Wright and Foster Gover were also recognized for lifetime achievements and were inducted into the prestigious list of Lifetime Members now known as Fellows.
Congratulations to all and thanks to all who attended.

Respectfully submitted,
Jon W. Pasqualone, President
Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association
IFMA Chapter 3
 

 

 

May all of you have a safe and memory-making Christmas with those you love.

 

Puddin Race

FAFLSE Chair 

 

 

Article Provided by:

Chuck Akers 

 

 

Remember to put "newsletter" or "article" in your subject line to avoid deletion. I do not open anything with "fwd" or just "Re:" in the subject line.

 

Puddin Race

 

Brian Haas, Vistalogix

 

To my esteemed peers, friends and associates:
 
Echoing what has already been said about our conference, touché!  As many of you, something a bit more the 200 in attendance, are already aware, this conference was certainly the 'cracker jack' prize for me.  And although none of you will believe this, words indeed fail me even today, four days after being installed as a life member.  But I'm not the only one for whom this conference was notable.  We have two other new life members and some duly recognized achievers in the field of public education, arson investigation, fire safety inspections and a Fire Marshal of the year.  But, is that group the only benefactors of this past week?  No indeed.  Let's perhaps consider why not.
 
On Sunday the second, some of our friends got to play golf for a very, very, valiant cause.  That was cool, huh?  Also on Sunday, 20 some early arrivers we exposed to valuable information in a two hour program about local amendments.  Something like 12-15 people have made special request for that PowerPoint program.  If there are any others that would like any of the programs Tony Apfelbeck and/or I did, please write us for that.  We'll be happy to help out.
 
On Monday November 3rd, what a resounding introduction the conference committee provided for us.  In a general assembly was one of the most precise honor guard presentations that I've ever seen for sure.  Woody Bolinger continuing to give of his time and energies opened the program, followed by a host of dignitaries, all of whom I'm certain you all will join me herein applauding for their efforts too.  Rounding out the welcome portion of the morning's activities was our long time friend and fire service advocate Robbie Robertson.  Robbie put a face on the organization's infancy, but how?  Robbie was there and how grateful we all are to be able to look back in time and see our early years as all of those men and women that preceded us set the pace for our "New Slate in '08 - Know Your Codes".
 
Finishing out the welcome was Cynthia Krosky, President of Achieving Corporate Excellence, Inc.  Wow, what a motivator!  I now know a whole lot more about what a 100% means, how about you all?  We learned real quickly though, she's a trickery one, right?  She got us to do a couple of things we didn't see coming.  And as she pulled the rug from underneath us with one hand, she placed a mat right back with the other.  Great job Cynthia!  How about Charlie E, do you agree?
 
From this point on, I couldn't be in all places at one time, but low and behold, I did get snippets of everyone following refreshments provided by Gold Coast Fire and Safety.  I don't even know for sure if I thanked them, but if not...thanks folks, you're great.  We can't exist without our corporate partners.
 
Dale Reisen for example - Once you've heard this guy speak, you gotta want more and I usually do.  Dale is without a doubt Mr. Ethics, isn't he?  Then the program from Database Financial Services, Inc; while it was well presented, nobody likes to realize what they're doing wrong with their money, but nevertheless, we were told with style and pizzazz.  Happily though, some were doing quite well and it was nice to have that underscored for us.
 
Joining the program of consummate professionals, Art Black of Carmel Fire Protection again astounded those in attendance with his prowess in NFPA 72.  If you didn't learn something from Art, you had to be absent or asleep.  In either case, don't let that happen again.  Thanks Art.  Adjourning that session, not unlike Gold Coast earlier, King-Fischer Company took a piece of the action by sponsoring a break prior to our returning to Art who took us al the way through late afternoon including another break sponsor Won-Door Corporation.  Their product and staff rock too!
 
Then came the reason we love Monday nights at our annual conference - The Bar-B-Que!  Can Wiginton Fire Systems possibly be a better friend and partner to FFMIA?  I can't possibly think of how if they can.  Thanks to John Lake of Wiginton for the 69A-46 review as well.
 
Then came Tuesday the 4th.  Opening early at eight a.m. (or close to that anyway), Brian Foster put a face on Performance Based Design for us.  I'm not sure if I really get that yet, but this much I do know - I want him in the room whenever it's proposed to me.  How about you all, same feelings?  Tom Siegfried, formerly of Altamonte Springs Fire Department continues to make people scratch their heads in wonderment.  Is there anything related to the fire service he can't or doesn't know how to speak about?  Indeed another intimate friend of FFMIA.
 
Following another generous partner, 3M Fire Protection Products, we heard about the challenges to crowd management in two breakout sessions.  Unfortunately I was not able to hear any of that, so I asked around.  Many, many fine comments about that program and so scores of thanks to Paul Wertheimer of Crowd Management Strategies, Inc.  Competing with Mr. Wertheimer during the same period was a program by our generous partner 3M on the topic of fire penetrations.  It's very likely we'll never know enough about that stuff; actually it's always made my head hurt.
 
During lunch that day, we made a gallant attempt to network with our regional directors; how'd that work out?  Well some were successful, some not so much.  Well, keep trying, you know who they are.
 
The early part of Tuesday afternoon found attendees learning about proximity fireworks or assisted living facilities.  Ernie Simmons of Zambelli Fireworks, another long-time FFMIA partner and friend, projected much information to the amazement and education of those in attendance.  On the other side of that wall was a speaker speaking far too loud, or so the fireworks attendees were heard to opine.  That topic - ALF's; following that breakout session, sixteen requests for the program were made and already have been delivered.   The Knox Company and No-Burn SE, Inc. partners sponsored breaks during Tuesday afternoon, and oh how good that was!
 
Bringing Tuesday afternoon to a close, Tony Apfelbeck presented information on the New International Residential Code and associated sprinkler requirements, along with information about the recent success in Minneapolis.  Thank Tony, it's hard to imagine FFMIA without you man!  Then came the icing on the cake so to speak; Kelly Pitcher and Chris Birchfield of No-Burn, Inc.  They showed us to make a significant impact on the spread and propagation of fire.  That parking lot will never be the same.
 
Wednesday continued an information full week with Mr. Apfelbeck again dazzling us with his skills and prowess.  In the adjacent room was Dale Reisen and his 'Enhancing Leadership Skills' topic.  You could not have failed to learn much valuable information from Tony or Dale in either of these two break out sessions.  When you left either of these two sessions, you certainly knew more about the differences between the FBC and the FFPC or more about your leadership skills and how to implement your new knowledge of those differences.
 
We came back into session following another break, this one sponsored by ACS Firehouse Software.  The subject was either taking in knowledge about residential facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, or Dale Reisen as he continued with his part II session on leadership.  As we worked to our lunchtime, Pride Enterprises provided a break with sufficient refreshment value for to embrace and Overview of NFPA 101 2006 edition's assembly chapter, or part III of Dale Reisen.  Then from 12 to 1, which must have been the best part all day, because Mr. Gary Martin of TECO captivated his audience well beyond the apportioned time, came the presentation about underground safety.  Unable to hear that myself, Gary, how did you do that?
 
Rolling through the rest of the program, Mr. Jim Goodloe brought us up to date on several important matters of statewide interest.  There was much dialog back and forth; thank you Jim for that information.  We were somewhat disappointed that Director Hallman was unable to be with us, but we're appreciative of how those things occur; we're public officials too, right?
 
We next came to the General Session for the FFMIA annual business meeting.  In good spirits, well prepared by Mircom, Inc. from a break, we heard much from our elected board about the activities and welfare of the association.  Preacher Woody got an extra 'white collar' associate during his impassioned report and I'm given to understand that he's no worse for the wear.  As we adjourned near
5 p.m., we went our respective ways only to return to refreshments provided by Greg Stephens and his Mobileeyes corporation.  This led us into our annual banquet at 7 p.m. where good friends, good food and more great information came together.
How moved we were after hearing from former Congressman Curt Weldon as he updated us on matters important to the fire service over the past twenty some years?
And then Thursday morning came, ah yes, the morning of each conference that we disdain equally as much as the first Monday of our conferences.  But alas, all is not to be mourned.  Our longtime friend and mentor Jim Dolan of NFPA arrived to talk of things for the morning session about our Florida specific amendments to NFPA 1.  He knows what he's talking about alright and now he even knows what the acronym NFPA really stands for (yuk, yuk).  So as we prepared to depart for yet another year, we were well cared for at two breaks by NFPA and Resealed Systems. 
But having noting all of these admirable things that made up our 2008 convention, I would be remiss if I were not to mention something about the conference committee itself.  That group of folks led by 'Mr. Executive Director' Chuck Akers deserves commendation too.  Why so?  Well, if it had not been for the committee's concerted efforts and leadership, none of would have enjoyed all of those wonderful sessions we did.  In fact, they may not have happened at all.  While it's very difficult and most times ill-advised to highlight individuals of a committee effort, since I've already noted Chuck Akers, perhaps just one more name, O.K.?  You all should know the kind of people that make up this association and Jerry VanGelder is one them to be sure.  In the midst of this conference planning somewhere, Jerry lost his job, but did that deter him?  Well, you all already know the answer to that don't you?  Yes indeed, it is people like those on our conference committee that makes this whole thing work.  Great job folks!
So in closing, I'm going to say that this year for me will be impossible to beat, but I look forward to next year at the Maitland Sheraton where the conference committee will work as hard as they can to better this year's conference anyway.
Warm thoughts and regards to all of our members.  Hopefully, you'll be moved to join us next year.
Bart Wright

Lt. Trisha Dunkelmann (561) 243-7456.

 The issue necessitating this discussion paper comes from a community that is mostly mountainous rural with timely response from fire suppression forces sometime hampered or eliminated by weather conditions.  This community requires developers to provide a water supply sufficient to provide fire suppression activities based upon the needed fire flow of the buildings or structures planned.  In lieu of the costly water distribution system, this community wisely allows fire sprinkler protection.  NFPA 13D has been the most used design standard with complying water supply storage tanks used for water supply.  Now come the fire retardant promoters who argue that in lieu of fire sprinklers that their product should also be used as an alternative to installing a water distribution system.  This paper discusses this issue.  While the national fire sprinkler design standards do allow for the deletion of some fire sprinklers if special conditions are met, the buildings are still equipped with a fire sprinkler system, not completely replace the fire sprinkler as fire retardant advocates promote. 

 

The Proper Approach:  There are a number of factors that go wrong in a fire scenario that ultimately lead to a major fire tragedy - not just one factor.  Type of construction, occupancy use, cause and origin of the fire are some of the factors of concern of preventing major fire losses.  Also a factor is active (alarm, detection, sprinklers) and passive (fire resistive material) fire protection systems.  These active and passive systems work in conjunction with each other, not as a replacement.  For example, a detection and alarm system has proven to save many from the ravages of fire.  However, fire suppression systems also connect to an alarm system and act as another initiating device for the fire alarm system.  The codes then allow for some deviation in the alarm and detection system design to economically accommodate the fire sprinkler system alarm water flow initiation signal.  There still is an alarm and a suppression system in the building - the addition of the fire sprinkler system does not eliminate the need for a fire alarm system.  The same holds true for some fire retardant material, the fire sprinkler system design can be altered but it is significant to note that the fire sprinkler system remains as a part of the fire protection system for the building.  Thus, active and passive fire protection systems work together and complement each other.    

Causes of Fire:  Over 80% of our nation's fire deaths occur in residential occupancies.  The three leading causes of fire are men, women, and children - people cause fires.  A pan with grease left of a hot burner in the kitchen will ignite when the ignition temperature is reached.  This grease fire starts notwithstanding if the kitchen is made of concrete or wood, has or does not have fire retardant material, or if a smoke alarm is present.  The substantive issue is what happens after the fire starts.  In most cases there will be damage from smoke and fire.  The fire sprinkler system extinguishes or controls the fire.  The smoke alarm warns the occupants of the problem and hopefully they can respond but impairment often impedes a timely exit from the hazard. 
NFPA reports that operating smoke alarms were present in 34% of the home fire deaths.1   And fire retardants may slow fire growth but at what point in time ignition of the protected material ignites depends on many factors, some of which are type of retardant product, type of material to be protected, consistency of retardant application, time retardant has been in place, maintenance of the material and the retardant, fuel and heat release of fire - the list is long.  While arguments can be made for active fire protection (fire sprinklers and fire alarms) and passive fire protection (fire retardants, fire stopping material, concrete based drywall) the fact is and will always be that fires will occur and both active and passive fire protection features work together to provide a reasonable fire and life safety environment. 
 
Stopping Fires from Starting:  I wish there was an easy way to stop fires from starting - but there is not.  During the past four decades, significant progress has been made in public awareness and a reduction in fires has occurred.  But still there are over 3,000 fire deaths each year in the United States.  Are fire deaths restricted to only properties constructed of wood?  Absolutely not.  In fact, having been a fire fighter in South Florida, the vast majority of the fires I responded to be in structures constructed with concrete blocks.  And many of these fires were complete burnouts needing complete teardown and replacement of the structure.  So a structure built with non-combustible material like concrete blocks or even a spray-on fire retardant product that may delay the ignition of wood, the clear fact remains that it is the contents of the building that create the untenable fire conditions.  These untenable fire conditions could easily create a condition that overwhelms any retardant material, a fire that goes beyond the tested limits of the retardant product.  Any attempt by government to regulate the type of furnishings, drapery, television, cabinets and other materials the homeowner may bring into the home they have bought will be very unsuccessful.  I can tell you my wife would not allow a retardant material to be sprayed on her favorite leather couch even if this was doable.  Thus, the real issue here is how do we stop the fire in its tracks once it has started?  A fire within a confined room made of concrete walls or even fire retardant wood material is a total lost, the contents will be consumed, lives could be lost within the confines of this room, and damage would be significant.  The active fire protection afforded by a fire sprinkler system has been proven to stop and often extinguish these fires before they grow to a state where the room is cremated. 
 
What Deviations Do the Codes and Standards Allow?   The recent edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2007 Edition,2 the design standard for fire sprinkler systems does in fact allow for the deletion of some fire sprinklers in a fire sprinkler protected building only in concealed spaces, spaces where the people who start fires have no access.  NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials,3 makes a distinction between fire-retardant treated wood and fire-retardant coatings for building materials.  A quick and easy explanation is fire-retardant treated wood is similar to the widely known pressure treated wood - the fire-retardant is impregnated into and throughout the wood.  The fire-retardant coated wood would be the combustible wood coated with a chemical designed to slow ignition.  NFPA 13, the fire sprinkler system design standard, addresses where fire retardant materials may be used in lieu of fire sprinklers.  In section 8.15.1.2.11 it says, "Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed entirely of fire-retardant treated wood as defined by NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, shall not require sprinkler protection." Fire retardant treated wood must be "impregnated" not "coated" by definition in NFPA 703.  The provisions of NFPA 13 - 8.15.1.2.10, also allow for some fire retardant coated products.  While some fire retardant products may meet the criteria of NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2006 Edition,4the allowance for sprinkler deletion in concealed spaces is for fire retardant coating material that has met an additional 20 minutes at the maximum test temperatures required by NFPA 255.  Simply meeting a flame spread index of 25 or less is not good enough criteria to be used for the fire sprinkler deletion in this concealed space of a fully fire sprinkler protected building - an additional 20 minute test must be document and validated by a nationally accepted testing laboratory before this coating material may be used for sprinkler deletions, again, solely in concealed spaces.  This is emphasized here, as there are many fire retardant products that may meet the NFPA 255 criteria and receive a fire index rating of 25 or less but also would fail if an additional 20 minutes were added to the test.  It is significant to note while the current code allows deletion of fire sprinklers in concealed spaces where fire retardant treated wood is used, the REMAINDER OF THE BUILDING IS SPRINKLER PROTECTED!  The action proposed of eliminating all fire sprinklers if a fire-retardant coating or even with complete fire-retardant treated wood is used is not allowed in the national fire sprinkler design standards.  It is not desirable to permit the omission of sprinklers in areas other than concealed spaces that are "fire-retardant coated meeting the extra 20 minute test".  I do have access to my attic and use my attic for storage - thus my attic is not considered a concealed space.  For clarity, the standard language cited above is from the 2007 edition of the NFPA 13 standard.  Questions on the long-term stability of the fire retardant material, its adhesion to the product, maintenance questions that have remained problematic has caused the committee to specifically allow only fire-retardant treated wood - not fire retardant coating material except those that can meet a more stringent test.  Those fire-retardant companies that promote their product using outdated standards simply know and are aware of the restrictions in the newer editions of the standards but have chosen to ignore these national standards.   

And with respect to interior finishes, some may argue that they may be protected with fire-retardant material.  Specifically the advocates for fire retardant material argue retardants completely applied throughout the home including contents should be allowable in lieu of fire sprinklers in homes.   The fire code that applies in the state where this conflict exists, the International Fire Code,5 in Section 800, Interior Finish & Decorative Materials, Furnishings, subsection 803.1.2 and 806.2.6 require the ability to "maintain" the fire-retardant material.  I doubt my wife would like to put on the required protective clothing, which looks similar to a space suit to treat our bed sheets with, fire retardant material after the sheets are washed.  And I treat my granite countertop each year with a new coat of sealant, there is no secure method of ensuring the granite countertops or the fire retardant material will be timely and properly maintained in a privately owned structure.  

 

The Toxicity Concerns:  A new study reported in USA Today on September 3, 2008 finds that young children have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood.6 "Toddlers and preschoolers had levels of the chemicals that were on average three times higher than their mothers', according to a study of 20 families by the Environmental Working Group, which has campaigned against the chemicals for several years. The chemicals, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are widely used in televisions, remote controls, computers, mattresses and other products."  The article continues with the statement "Scientists are concerned that the chemicals cause brain damage in animals and may cause hyperactivity in children, says Jimmy Roberts, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on environmental health, who was not involved with the study. Doctors also are concerned that the chemicals affect the reproductive organs and hormone systems."  This USA Today article and the study cited therein clearly suggest limiting the use of fire retardants to minimize its health impact on the public, particularly babies and children. 
 
While I am not in any position to comment on the toxicity of fire retardant materials, this article does raise a concern.  Also of concern is the material safety data sheet (MSDS) on some fire retardant material.  It is common to see directions for spray-on fire retardant material that says: EYE/FACE PROTECTION: Goggles or face shield recommended; HAND/ARM PROTECTION: Rubber or plastic gloves recommended;

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: NIOSH approved respirator or mask recommended when creating mists; BODY PROTECTION: Rubber or plastic coveralls, apron or boots recommended.  With all of these warnings to protect those who apply this fire retardant material, it is easy to recognize the potential that the study cited in the USA Today article has some degree of credibility.  These warnings also clearly suggest those who apply this product are within a specialized profession and the thought of the homeowner maintaining these fire retardants through reapplication is and will be problematic.  And while the proponents for widespread use of fire retardants may argue "show us a case where someone has died as a result of this material," the wise and prudent act is not to wait until the trial bar develops a huge class action lawsuit for product usage prior to toxicity questions being appropriately resolved.  The fact that many electronics manufacturers have ceased using bromines and other fire retardant material in their product suggests there may be an issue. 
 
Summary:  To the specific issue of deleting fire sprinkler systems throughout a single-family home or any other occupancy when a spray on fire retardant material is used; the answer is no, this is not consistent with nationally adopted codes and standards or common sense.  Should a fire sprinkler in a concealed space consisting of fire retardant treated (impregnated) wood be allowed in an otherwise fully fire sprinkler protected building; the answer is yes, where this is allowed by current codes and standards.  Should a fire sprinkler in a concealed space consisting of fire retardant spray-on treated wood be allowed to delete fire sprinklers in an otherwise fully fire sprinkler protected building; the answer is no.  Should spray-on fire retardant material whose manufacturer can provide credible testing data from a recognized testing laboratory that the product passed the NFPA 255 test plus the additional 20 minutes at the highest temperature; the answer is yes, but only where spray-on instead of impregnated fire retardant is allowed by current codes and standards. 

Prepared by Buddy Dewar. 
About the author:  Buddy Dewar was graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors of Science in Economics with concentration in Econometrics - quantitative economic analysis.  Buddy Dewar also was graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master in Business Administration and is a member of the International Honor Society Sigma Beta Delta.  He has a distinguished fire service career, which includes working as a firefighter, fire officer, and fire chief; Superintendent of the Florida State Fire College, and Director of Florida's State Fire Marshal's Office.  Buddy currently is serving as Director of the Regional Operations for the National Fire Sprinkler Association.  He has served on numerous committees and commissions and was the first person to serve a two-year term as President of the Florida State Firefighters' Association.  He has received numerous awards for his fire service and his programs have been featured in People Magazine.  He has been awarded Life Membership in the Florida State Firefighters' Association, the Florida Fire Marshal and Inspectors Association, and NFPA.        
 
Cites
1.    U.S. EXPERIENCE WITH SMOKE ALARMS AND OTHER FIRE DETECTION/ALARM EQUIPMENT, National Fire Protection Association, April 2007.
2.    NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2007 Edition.  National Fire Protection Association.
3.    NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, National Fire Protection Association.
4.    NFPA 255: Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2006 Edition.  National Fire Protection Association.
5.    International Fire Code, 2006 edition.  International Code Council.
6.    Fire retardant chemicals found in toddlers' blood, USA Today, September 3, 2008, Liz Szabo. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-03-fire-retardants-children_N.htm

Article Provided by:

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FFMIA 2009 Conference Program

Attention: Capt. Pete Tucker  

City of Deltona Fire Department  

1685 Providence Blvd.  
Deltona, FL 32725

OR Fax or Email survey to:  
386-860-7191
ptucker@deltonafl.gov

 

Any questions, call Pete at 386-575-0306
Please return this survey by: March 1, 2009. Thank You!