Lightning Safety Alliance Backs Fire Sprinkler Incentive and College Fire Prevention Bill

The Lightning Safety Alliance (LSA), announced its support of the National Fire Sprinkler Alliance’s (NFSA) efforts to secure federal legislation to provide a tax incentive for the installation of fire sprinkler systems.

Since its introduction to the House by Pennsylvania Congressman Curt Weldon last spring, the NFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Incentive
Act of 2003 has reportedly steadily advanced and attracted cosponsors who support the bill known as HR 1824.

“The NFSA’s proposed legislation is designed to ensure affordability of sprinklers, which when implemented, provide important safety measures for the public,” said Mark Morgan, spokesman for the LSA, a non-profit, national league of lightning protection professionals and consumers dedicated to the
promotion of lightning protection and safety. “We endorse this legislation, as well as the NFSA’s safety efforts associated with the proposed College Fire Prevention Act, HR 1613. The LSA serves as an information clearinghouse for members and consumers, acquainting us with tragic consequences of recent fires, many which were both devastating and avoidable,” explained Morgan.

Fire prevention continues to reportedly be a serious concern for U.S. schools, especially colleges and universities that provide housing for on-campus students.

In Tennessee, lightning ignited a fire that demolished the century-
old Fayerweather Hall at Maryville College on May 23, 1999. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, and the cost to replace the demolished building and contents was $6.4 million.

Another fire on April 25, 200l gutted several buildings on the Longwood College campus in Farmville, Virginia. A major thunderstorm passed through the area the afternoon of the fire and
although witnesses in the area described seeing lightning striking over the college’s Rotunda where the fire originated, the official cause was never determined. Students in the threatened buildings were evacuated safely and there were no casualties. Two student RAs sustained minor injuries.

In its mission to reduce the risk of fire hazards worldwide, the LSA also supports efforts of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electric Code (NEC), both which are responsible for numerous safety codes and standards that provide fire, electrical and life safety to the public.