18 Fire deaths this year in Delaware

Delaware- There have been 18 deaths caused by structure fires in Delaware in 2022.

All of the fatalities in question have one thing in common: none of the structures had sprinkler systems installed.

Without sprinkler systems fires can spread quickly, trapping occupants inside.

Many residential building in the first state do not have such systems, as at the time of their construction sprinkler systems were not mandatory. Though most new structures should have them installed.

Groups like the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition hope to spread awareness of these life saving systems. Citing that they provide much needed fire suppression that can be life saving.

Coalition chairman Paul Eichler tells 47ABC: “If a building is sprinklered its well proven here in Delaware and elsewhere that in the event of a fire the system will react and control that fire. Giving the occupants an opportunity to get out.”

Eichler also says that sprinkler system have additional benefits beyond just life saving. Putting out flames early can reduce harmful gases being released into the air caused by fires, rebates offered by insurance companies for installing sprinklers systems, and they make the jobs of first responders less difficult by starting to put out flames before they arrive.