County to demo how sprinklers can protect people

A side-by-side fire sprinkler demonstration is scheduled at approximately 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, during the Public Safety Complex Open House. Event hours are 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 505 N.W. 179th St., Ridgefield, near the Clark County fairgrounds. Admission is free.

Fire marshals from Southwest Washington designed the sprinkler demonstration to illustrate how residential sprinklers work to extinguish fires. Two rooms in a special demonstration unit will contain typical household furnishings and other materials.

Visitors can watch as fires are started first in a room without sprinklers, then in a room protected by an automatic fire sprinkler. After the fires, visitors can compare the conditions of the two rooms.

“We promote residential sprinklers because the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by 80 percent when sprinklers are used,” said Jon Dunaway, Clark County Fire Marshal.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fire sprinkler systems respond quickly and efficiently to reduce heat, flames and smoke, giving people valuable time to get to safety.

The community safety event also includes a variety of safety demonstrations, food and activities for children. For more information visit the Web site: http://www.clark.wa.gov/neighborhoods/documents/WPOpenHouse2009.pdf

By Jon Dunaway, Clark County Fire Marshal