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Southborough fire chief urges town to treat modern sprinklers as a life‑safety measure for schools
Summary
Chief Pumcini told the Select Board that modern sprinkler systems are a primary life‑safety feature and cited national research estimating about a 90% lower death rate in fires where sprinklers are present; he urged continued inspections, drills and code compliance for school buildings.
Chief Pumcini, speaking during the public‑comment period at the Jan. 6 Select Board meeting, urged Town officials to treat modern sprinkler systems as a "primary life safety feature" for schools and other town buildings. He told the board that "national fire data demonstrates that the death rate in fires with sprinkler systems ... is approximately 90 percent lower than in buildings without them."
Pumcini said that while early sprinkler designs focused on protecting structures, today’s systems save lives and therefore should be considered alongside evacuation planning, inspections and drills. He cited research sources including the National Fire Protection Association and named studies discussed in the record.
"The Southborough Fire Department's fire prevention division takes great pride in ensuring that our schools meet all applicable fire and life‑safety codes through an inspection program and regular fire drills," Pumcini said, committing the department to continued inspection and education.
The board did not take formal action on the comment but heard the recommendation before moving on to subsequent agenda items. The meeting proceeded to other agenda items, including licensing and budget discussions.
