U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade announced his organization's official position that all homes should be equipped with automatic fire sprinklers. The position was announced in the "Chief's Corner" section of the USFA Web site last week.

"As the U.S. Fire Administrator, it is my job to direct programs implemented to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support," Cade wrote. "In that role, I would like to address members of the fire service, home-owners, home builders, and other interested parties about the powerful protection from fire provided by residential fire sprinkler systems and why all homes should be equipped with them.

"Every day the U.S. Fire Administration collects news stories from our Nation's media that deal with the tragic loss of life from fire in American homes. In January and February alone, over 300 people lost their lives in home fires. Commercial buildings such as schools, office buildings, and factories have benefited from fire protection sprinkler systems for over a century. But what about our homes? Although we protect our businesses from fire, what actions do we take to protect our families, our homes, and our possessions from fire? Millions of Americans have installed smoke alarms in their homes in the past few years, but a smoke alarm can only alert the occupants to a fire in the house. It cannot contain or extinguish a fire. Residential fire sprinkler systems can."

To download the complete position statement, click here.