Residential Fire Sprinklers Retrofit Demonstration Project Phase Ii Single Family Structures

This hearing, chaired by Representative Patricia Schroeder, was held to find ways to reduce the number of deaths and injuries that result from fires. Testimony or prepared statements were given by Representatives Schroeder, Michael Bilirakis, Romano Mazzoli, and Curt Weldon, as well as nine other individuals involved in fire safety issues, including professional fire fighters, members of fire safety groups, and concerned citizens. It was noted that the United States has one of the highest per capita fire death rates in the world, with roughly 6,000 fire deaths each year. Young children are at great risk of death and injury due to fire burns, with nearly 1,400 child fatalities and 14,000 serious injuries each year due to fires. The monetary costs of fires are tremendous, with over $50 billion spent each year on property losses, medical and insurance costs, fire department expenditures, and fire protection costs. Careless smoking and playing with fire cause the most harm to children. Poverty and poor living conditions increase the risk of fire death and injury. Smoke detectors and other safety devices greatly reduce the chances of dying in a fire. Despite the effectiveness of such safety devices, more preventive and educational measures are needed. (MDM)