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Requiring fire sprinklers in new homes does not address the problem of where fires occur. No data is collected on the age of homes experiencing a fire, although there is sound evidence that age of the structure is an important factor. Existing fire data showing the continued decline in the rate of fire incidents, injury and death is consistent with the retirement of older housing stock and the construction of new stock. Studies have shown those at greatest risk include those who live in substandard housing, where preventive maintenance is least likely to take place. Poorer, less educated Americans are more likely to live in substandard housing than wealthier, educated Americans. It's more likely that a wealthier person will be in a position to buy a new home. That means that residential fire sprinklers, usually mandated in wealthier communities where their cost is less of a barrier, are least likely to protect those who could benefit by them the most. |
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