Stamford firefighters set blaze to highlight sprinkler systems

<p>Firefighters torched two similar compartments on Magee Avenue in Stamford Thursday to demonstrate how homeowners can add an extra layer of protection from house fires.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 29, 2017, 7:28 PM

Updated 2,779 days ago

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Firefighters torched two similar compartments on Magee Avenue in Stamford Thursday to demonstrate how homeowners can add an extra layer of protection from house fires.
One structure had a sprinkler system that activated when temperatures exceeded 155 degrees, keeping its contents mostly intact. The other went up in flames within a minute.
Firefighters say having a smoke detector and a sprinkler system increases a person's chance of surviving a house fire by 80 percent. 
Officials say although sprinkler systems can be costly, they are worth it.
"In the event of a fire, you will survive, and most days you'll be able to get back inside your house the same day," says David Lafond, a regional manager for the National Fire Sprinkler Association.
Firefighters are calling on state officials to pass a new building code that would require the installment of sprinkler systems in all new homes.