SFPE releases position statement supporting the use of engineering to improve residential fire safety

In order to reduce the loss of life from residential fires, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) released a position statement supporting the use of engineered components, systems and technologies to reduce the fire hazard within residential structures and thereby reduce the loss of life from residential fires. Fires in dwellings account for the majority of life loss due to fire. Data suggest that approximately 80% of all fire fatalities worldwide are the result of fires that originate in a residential occupancy. Additionally, changes in materials used for furnishings, building materials and construction methods have resulted in an increased level of hazard from an accidental dwelling fire. "People don't necessarily think about the ways fire protection engineers design engineered components, systems and technologies to dramatically reduce the threat of fire in the home," said SFPE engineering program manager Chris Jelenewicz. "Smoke alarms, fire sprinklers, improved safety controls on cooking and heating appliances, and improved fire safe material technologies can go a long way in reducing the risk of injuries or death from fire." To find out more about how fire protection engineers use science and technology to make our world safer from fire and to view the SFPE Position Statement visit www.sfpe.org.