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Frankfort Home Retrofit with Fire Sprinklers

Erik explains the water supply connections to Palos Park Chief Building Inspector Bob Adams.

ORLAND PARK, IL (November 27, 2019) – When Erik Hoffer, the Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB), bought an existing home in Frankfort, he knew he would have it retrofit with home fire sprinklers before he and his family would move in.

“There are only a few homes in Frankfort that are protected with home fire sprinklers, so we weren’t able to find a sprinklered one,” he said. “Protecting our home and family with sprinklers was essential for us, but it also presented an important educational opportunity for our community.”

“Due to fire sprinkler myths that are on full display in television shows and movies, most people are not aware that fire sprinklers are individually heat activated and, therefore, do not all activate at once,” added Hoffer.

While the walls were still open and the fire sprinkler piping visible, Erik and his wife Karah held an open house to introduce their home to neighbors, elected officials, building officials, real estate agents and members of the fire service so they could see and learn about the system.

With daughters ages two and four years old, the priority for the Hoffers is protecting their family. Fire safety, in particular, is top of mind for Hoffer, who has spent 12 years of his career working with safety organizations developing educational campaigns, including fire sprinkler awareness. He joined NIFSAB two years ago as Field Operations Local Coordinator. In September, he was promoted to Executive Director.

“My role is to educate the various groups about the dangers of unwanted fire and the important life-safety role of fire sprinklers. I’ve had the opportunity to help area fire departments conduct live fire demonstrations that compare rooms with and without fire sprinklers. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly fire becomes deadly and how a single fire sprinkler can contain a fire or extinguish it. With my work advocating for fire sprinklers, there was no question I wanted to be able to say ‘yes’ when asked if I have sprinklers in my own home,” Hoffer said.

During the Hoffers’ open house, representatives from the nonprofit educational group Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and the National Fire Sprinkler Association set up displays and offered educational information to guests. A representative from United States Alliance Fire Protection, the contractor that retrofit the home, was also available to answer installation questions.

Hoffer said he was very pleased with the turnout. “The village of Frankfort’s Mayor Jim Holland and Trustee Margaret Farina attended and asked a lot of questions. It was nice to have their interest and show them our new sprinklered home,” he said. “It was great to see fire officials from Frankfort and neighboring communities and meet some of our new neighbors.”

Typically, fire sprinklers are installed when a home is being built. Hoffer worked with USA Fire Protection because they also have experience retrofitting existing homes. The retrofit project took just over a week. The system also includes a strobe alarm mounted outside the home and an alarm inside the home. Hoffer said other than a few holes in some walls that need to be patched and some clean-up work, the family can move in to their fire-safe home.

“It will be nice to enjoy the holiday season in our new home. Now that we will be living in a sprinklered home, we will have peace of mind year-round.”

Frankfort Trustee Margaret Farina learns about the benefits of residential fire sprinklers.

NFPA 13D system with a residential fire pump assembly.

Left to right: Jen Peterson (USA Fire Protection), Marny McNitt (Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Frankfort Trustee Margaret Farina, Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland, Erik Hoffer (NIFSAB), Lisa Woodward (Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition).

USA Fire Protection’s Jen Peterson explains a sidewall sprinkler to some residents from the neighborhood.

Showing a concealed pendent fire sprinkler to a couple of REALTORS®.

Erik’s daughter’s Makenna and Madison lend a helping hand at the Open House.

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Lisa2019-11-27T14:49:11-06:00November 27th, 2019|Comments Off

More than 100 Homes Now Protected with Home Fire Sprinklers in the Village of Roselle

Pictured above from the Roselle Village Board: Wayne Domke, Heather Pransky, Clerk Patty Burns, David Pileski, Bruce Berkshire, Patrick Devitt, Mayor Andy Maglio, NIFSAB’s Erik Hoffer, Lee Trejo, Chief Daniel Anderson and Fire Marshal Robert Morris.

Ten years ago, the Village of Roselle adopted an ordinance that requires all new homes and homes that undergo additions of 50 percent or greater to be protected with home fire sprinklers. Now, the village, along with the surrounding unincorporated area within the Roselle Fire Department’s jurisdiction, has experienced a milestone with more than 100 homes protected with the lifesaving technology. To recognize the achievement, the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board presented the village board members and fire officials with a plaque at their village board meeting October 28.

“Kudos to then Fire Marshal Tom Biscan and administrators who had the foresight ten years ago to require residential fire sprinkler systems to protect current and future citizens and occupants,” said Fire Marshal Bob Morris.

Over the years, the Roselle Fire Department has conducted side-by-side fire and sprinkler burn demonstrations annually during its fire safety open house at the fire department to educate the public about how home fire sprinklers work. Morris said the demonstrations are important. He said a member of the fire department overheard a resident comment that after seeing the demonstration, he understands why installing fire sprinklers in his home was required.

Morris also mentioned that some of the homes in the district are on a well and not using the municipal water supply. That doesn’t hinder the fact that a fire sprinkler system can be installed.

The Village of Roselle is one of more than 110 communities in Illinois that require home fire sprinklers. Congratulations to the Village of Roselle for more than 100 homes that are sprinkler protected, and to all the communities for taking action to protect their citizens.

Roselle Mayor Andy Maglio accepts the recognition plaque from Erik Hoffer/NIFSAB.

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Lisa2019-11-22T12:55:16-06:00November 8th, 2019|Comments Off

Fire Departments Use Live Fire Demonstrations To Teach About Fire Prevention

Illinois fire official Mike Figolah narrates a fire and sprinkler burn demonstration.

Orland Park, IL (October 1, 2019) – The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) is assisting local fire departments in conducting live burn demonstrations to educate the public about how quickly fires can become deadly, as well as the important life-and property-saving benefits of fire sprinklers. The events are centered around National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 6 to 12.

The demonstrations provide a side-by-side comparison with two similarly furnished rooms — only one with a fire sprinkler installed in the room. Audiences will be able to feel the extreme heat and view the quick growth of fire in the unprotected room and compare it with the quick response and cooling action of the fire sprinkler in the other room. The demonstrations also allow fire departments to talk to attendees about pre-fire planning, smoke alarms, and escape plans.

“These demonstrations provide a dramatic visualization of the speed at which fire grows due to the high flammability of synthetic furnishings in today’s homes, but they also prove how fast fire sprinklers respond to fire and control or extinguish it,” says fire safety advocate and NIFSAB Executive Director Erik Hoffer. “It’s important that homeowners understand that fire sprinklers are not just for commercial buildings. Home fire sprinklers are individually activated by heat and provide a line of defense to allow homeowners to safely escape.”

By the end of the year, NIFSAB will have assisted with approximately 48 side-by-side fire and sprinkler burn demonstrations, along with 23 fire sprinkler trailer demonstrations.

More than 110 Illinois communities now require fire sprinklers in new construction homes, and many more require them in new multi-family and commercial buildings, because sprinklers not only protect occupants and property, but they also protect the lives of first responders.

Below is a list of upcoming fire and sprinkler burn demonstrations:

Wednesday, Oct. 2:
Warrenville Fire Protection District

Saturday, Oct. 5:
Norwood Park Fire Protection District (Trailer Demonstration)
Palatine Fire Department
Aurora Regional Fire Museum (Trailer Demonstration)
Minooka Fire Protection District
Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District with Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District
Lemont Fire Protection District
Bartlett Fire Protection District
La Grange Fire Department
Barrington Fire Department

Sunday, Oct. 6:
Lake Zurich Fire Department
Sugar Grove Fire Protection District
Garden Homes Fire Protection District

Monday, Oct. 7:
Moraine Valley Community College
Western Springs Fire Department (Trailer Demonstration)

Thursday, Oct. 10:
Westchester Fire Department

Saturday, Oct. 12:
Alsip Fire Department
Westmont Fire Department
Elk Grove Village Fire Department (Trailer Demonstration)
Wood Dale Fire Protection District
Plainfield Fire Protection District
Elgin Fire Department
Rolling Meadows Fire Department
Country Club Hills Fire Department
LaGrange Park Fire Department

Sunday, Oct. 13:
Elmhurst Fire Department

Saturday, Oct. 19:
Berwyn Fire Department
Bloomingdale Fire Protection District
St. Charles Fire Department

Wednesday, Oct. 23:
Chicago Ridge Fire Department

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Lisa2019-10-03T12:47:13-05:00October 1st, 2019|Comments Off

Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board Promotes Erik Hoffer as New Executive Director

Erik Hoffer, new Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board

Orland Park, IL (September 19, 2019) – The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) named Erik Hoffer as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoffer will work closely with members of the fire service, elected officials, building officials and decision-makers to raise public awareness about the life- and property-saving benefits of fire sprinklers, provide training, and promote progressive legislation.

Hoffer has 12 years experience working with the fire sprinkler industry and fire service. He joined NIFSAB and NFSA more than two years ago as Field Operations Local Coordinator where he has worked with fire departments and municipalities utilizing NIFSAB and NFSA resources to support their public awareness and advocacy efforts, including live fire sprinkler demonstrations, as well as their code and legislative activities.

Prior to joining NIFSAB, Hoffer was account executive at PPA Communications, a marketing communications firm that specializes in developing and implementing information and education campaigns for safety advocacy groups and trade associations. During that time, Hoffer worked closely with NIFSAB, Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (NFSA is a founding member), NFPA and other organizations.

“As board members, we’ve worked with Erik for a number of years and we are confident he will do a good job in this leadership position,” said Matt Treutelaar, Chair of the NIFSAB board and president, Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating Company. “He understands the industry and the issues. He has built strong relationships and works well with members of the fire service, contractors and other stakeholders that utilize NIFSAB’s resources.”

“Erik has been a valued teammate at NFSA for the past two years and in the industry for more than a decade,” said NFSA President Shane Ray. “He has a great opportunity to build on the legacy Tom Lia has spent 20 years building.”

Hoffer said he is excited about his new role and is ready to move forward. “NIFSAB has a great legacy of providing fire sprinkler education and resources to its fire and building official partners and their communities. I am proud to be part of that tradition.”

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Lisa2019-09-23T01:44:40-05:00September 19th, 2019|Comments Off

Implement a Fire Sprinkler Testing Program in the New Year

Click on the flyer to download the PDF flyer.

Are you ready to begin fire sprinkler testing in January 2017. Ensure code and ISO compliance by sending notices to building owners. A third-party inspection company can help you carry out your fire sprinkler testing program.

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:24:41-05:00January 25th, 2017|0 Comments

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Continues to Expand Programs & Support

IFSA’s residential fire sprinkler brochure

Many fire-safety-conscious people in Illinois recognize the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) as the organization that runs the annual Camp “I Am Me,” which is a week-long summer camp for burn-injured children. However, the IFSA offers many more programs, education and support in regard to fire safety and burn prevention.
In the last few years, the IFSA has taken big steps in educating the state’s residents about residential fire sprinklers. In addition to the organization’s membership and involvement with the Illinois Fire Sprinkler Coalition, the IFSA worked with the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board to develop an Illinois-specific residential fire sprinkler education pamphlet. The pamphlet teaches homeowners about the benefits of fire sprinklers and dispels myths.
Please read the submitted article below to see other statewide fire safety an burn prevention programs being offered by the IFSA:

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) is a nonprofit organization that has been in existence since 1982 and is dedicated to statewide fire safety and burn prevention efforts as well as supporting survivors of burn injuries. The Mount Prospect-based group has a wide variety of materials, tools, and supplies available to organizations across the state to help educate on how to prevent destructive fires, burn injuries, or worse. For those who have been adversely effected by a burn injury, the IFSA hosts various programs throughout the year to help support both children and adults in their recovery.

IFSA’s bath buddy thermometer

With a volunteer board of 11 individuals and a full-time staff of three, the IFSA works diligently to produce fire safety and prevention pieces and distribute them throughout Illinois. These materials include informational pamphlets on home fire prevention and safety, bath thermometers to help reduce the chances of a scald injury to infants or the elderly, fact cards and public service announcement videos on the dangers of sparklers, booklets designed specifically for older adult safety, plus other resources to meet the needs of other high-risk groups. In the past six months, the IFSA has introduced three new educational pieces, including “The Benefits of Home Fire Sprinklers” pamphlet, “Fire Safety for People with Disabilities” booklet, and online trivia games for younger children to test their fire safety knowledge. The IFSA works closely with groups such as fire departments, associations, hospitals, schools, and assisted living facilities to help distribute material to their constituents at no cost.

2016 Camp “I Am Me” participants

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is most well-known for its programs and services which support burn survivors that reside in the state. As a result of fundraising efforts and donations received throughout the year, these programs are available at no cost to the attendees. Camp “I Am Me,” the organization’s signature program, is a special and unforgettable one-week overnight camp experience for children and teenagers who have suffered injuries from burns. Since 1991, the IFSA has been providing this safe, non-judgmental environment for children to have the opportunity to build their self-esteem as they enjoy the various activities that make up their camp experience. The camp is available for those between the ages of 8-16 and on average, hosts 70 campers annually. Nearly 65 volunteers are at camp for the entire week, interacting with the campers and leading activities and special events. Camp “I Am Me” was the first camp (for burn survivors) to become accredited in the United States through the American Camp Association.

2015 Family Day participants

The newest support program is the IFSA’s Family Day event, a one-day program for families who have a child that has been affected by a burn injury. In addition to educational presentations, the day allows for both children and adults to meet and network with others who have been through similar situations, all while enjoying family-friendly activities in a fun atmosphere. The program, which was introduced in 2015, is available for survivors between 0-12 years of age and their siblings and parents.
The Young Adult Summit is a three-day retreat developed to prepare and assist attendees for the challenges ahead of them not only as burn survivors, but also as young adults. The summit, which is available to 18-25 year olds, provides life skills and identifies struggles associated with burn injuries through scheduled workshops and activities that support personal growth, emotional healing, relationships, and self-image. The program also allows for a young adult exchange program with the IFSA’s “sister-summit,” a burn survivor foundation located in Burbank, California.
Last is a scholarship program, which allows survivors to participate at World Burn Congress, a four-day international conference hosted by the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, bringing together more than 900 burn survivors, their families, caregivers, and burn care professionals. The IFSA facilitates numerous World Burn Congress scholarships, covering 100 percent of the conference, travel, and lodging costs for the scholarship recipients. The conference provides a forum for encouraging and facilitating the sharing of stories, providing support, and increasing knowledge of burn recovery. Through workshops, speakers, and peer-to-peer dialogue, professionals come to better understand the issues that impact the lives of burn survivors.
To learn how the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance can support fire prevention efforts, as well as to receive more information on burn survivor support services, please visit the newly redesigned IFSA website.

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:36:57-05:00January 23rd, 2017|0 Comments

New Lenox Fire Protection District Appoints Dan Turner as Deputy Chief

Article courtesy of a New Lenox Fire Protection District news release:

Dan Turner has assisted NIFSAB with various projects over the years. The photo above is from a video shoot of a house burn in 2001.

Newly appointed New Lenox Deputy Chief Dan Turner

On January 16th, the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) held a swearing in ceremony during its Board of Trustees meeting to appoint a new deputy chief and promote a fire inspector to fire marshal.
Dan Turner was previously fire marshal in New Lenox and was promoted to deputy chief. He has been with the NLFPD for over 10 years, and in the fire service for 30. In his time with the NLFPD, he has managed the Life Safety Division, acted as fire prevention administrator, and fire code official.

Left to right: Orland Fire Protection District Lieutenant Bill Leddin, NIFSAB Executive Director Tom Lia, newly appointed New Lenox Deputy Chief Dan Turner, New Lenox Fire Chief Steve Engledow, and Orland FPD Lieutenant Joe Leddin.

In addition to appointing a deputy chief, the NLFPD promoted James Brown to fire marshal. He has been with NLFPD for 25 years as a firefighter/paramedic. The last three years he has worked in the Life Safety Division as fire inspector.
Both Turner and Brown are residents of New Lenox and are active members of the community.

Dan Turner (center) is sworn in as deputy chief for New Lenox Fire Protection District, pictured here with Fire Chief Steve Engledow (left) and Deputy Chief Adam Riegel (right).

“These promotions are both well-deserved,” stated NLFPD Fire Chief Steve Engledow. “These men have worked extremely hard to get to where they are, and we couldn’t be prouder of them for their efforts.”

“As a personal friend of Dan, I naturally am very glad for him. As a former fellow coworker at Orland Fire Protection District I knew he could succeed at anything he put his mind to,” says Tom Lia, executive director for the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. Dan has the passion and leadership to get things done in fire protection for the benefit of the people and his fellow firefighters.”

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:33:30-05:00January 18th, 2017|0 Comments

Fire Sprinkler Saves Evanston High-Rise Residents, Yet Again, in 2016

The Mather in Evanston (photo courtesy of Google Maps Street View)

On December 20, a single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire after a stovetop burner was left on and ignited nearby boxes of food in a residence at The Mather, a 10-story senior living facility in Evanston. According to fire officials, no one was injured and over $150,000 in damage was prevented thanks to the quick action of the fire sprinkler.

The sprinkler save marks the second time this year that fire sprinklers prevented major fires at residential high-rises in Evanston. In March, a single fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire in an apartment unit of the 11-story Housing Authority of Cook County’s Perlman Apartments high-rise. The building recently had been retrofitted with fire sprinklers in November 2015.

When the Mather was built in the late 2000s, former Evanston fire officials Michael Rons (plan reviewer), Tom Janetske (fire marshal) and Alan Berkowsky (fire chief) oversaw the fire safety system installations, including the fire sprinklers, which were installed by USA Fire Protection from Lake Forest.

“Both of the buildings where the fire sprinkler saves occurred this year have senior residents that are at high risk in the event of fires, according to the NFPA. Also, there is the added risk due to limited escape routes in high-rises,” says Evanston Fire Captain John Roche. “In each case, a single fire sprinkler averted a potentially serious incident.”

“By following national model codes that require fire sprinkler protection in high-rises, Evanston city officials are ensuring the safety of high-rise residents. That gives the city a huge life safety advantage over the city of Chicago, which unfortunately does not require all high-rises to be sprinklered,” says Tom Lia, executive director of the nonprofit Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:29:33-05:00December 21st, 2016|0 Comments

Fire Sprinklers Prevent Major Fire at Lawson House YMCA Residential High-Rise

On November 18, fire sprinklers controlled and extinguished a fire in a trash compactor room at the Lawson House YMCA at 30 West Chicago Avenue in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The 24-story residential high-rise, which was built in 1934, is the largest single-room occupancy supportive housing facility in the Midwest with nearly 600 apartment units.

“Some of the residents in the low-income building are formerly homeless, so a fire that could potentially displace them again would be devastating. Fire sprinklers saved the day for the hundreds of people that live there,” says Tom Lia, executive director of the nonprofit Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.

Lia also notes that the fire sprinkler save is a good reminder to Chicago high-rise building owners that the city’s deadline to retrofit high-rises with fire sprinklers by January 1, 2017, is fast approaching.

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:34:24-05:00November 18th, 2016|0 Comments

Fire Sprinkler System Saves Taxpayers Money in Wheaton Public Works Facility Fire

According to fire reports from November 14, the fire sprinkler system in the Wheaton Public Works facility held a fire in check that began in the bed of a dump truck in one of the maintenance garage bays. Firefighters arrived to find only minor smoldering material and smoke. As a direct result of the sprinkler’s quick response to the fire, no injuries were reported and the building was open again the next morning.

“Thanks to fire sprinklers, this is a great success story for the city of Wheaton,” says Tom Lia, executive director of the nonprofit Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. “Had the city’s public works facility not been protected with fire sprinklers, the fire could have caused major damage. The public works department would have lost valuable resources and it would have created a burden on taxpayers, who would end up paying for the loss.”

“Wheaton city officials lead by example, protecting their own public buildings according to the national model codes. The model codes ensure that communities are able to protect their infrastructure, housing stock, citizens and employees, and first responders such as firefighters and police,” adds Lia.

Century Automatic Sprinkler, a licensed National Fire Sprinkler Association contractor from Gurnee, Illinois, installed the fire sprinkler system in the Wheaton Public Works facility.

Mary Lukens2023-10-05T11:34:03-05:00November 15th, 2016|0 Comments