Description of how the Automatic Fire Sprinkler works

Oct 19, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
It appears as though Gafoors’ back to back fire at their Houston complex has highlighted the importance for the installation of fire protection systems in commercial buildings with emphasis on automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected.
An Automatic Fire Sprinkler System is a network of water-filled pipes which starts at your water service line and ends with strategically spaced fire sprinkler heads located throughout your home. The sprinkler heads are frangible bulbs filled with a liquid that, when heated, expand, causing the bulb(s) to break and the system to release water. The water from the sprinkler head will cover the area where the fire is located and will continue to operate until the fire department can fully extinguish the fire.
Automatic fire sprinklers include a network of piping filled with water under pressure that is installed behind the walls and ceilings, and individual sprinklers are placed along the piping to protect the areas beneath them. Because the water is always in the piping, fire sprinklers are always “on call”. If fire breaks out, the air temperature above the fire rises and the sprinkler activates when the air temperature gets high enough.
The sprinkler sprays water forcefully over the flames, extinguishing them completely in most cases, or at least controlling the heat and limiting the development of toxic smoke until the fire department arrives. Only the sprinkler nearest the fire activates. Smoke will not activate sprinklers.
Automatic fire sprinklers are recommended for all commercial buildings and multifamily homes. However, Guyana scenario may render fire sprinklers useless for the following reasons, water is not always available or pressure is low reducing availability to lower floors only.
Pumps may be installed but electrical power in Guyana is not guaranteed due to constant power outages. Thus, property owners will have to consider installing on site generators and water reservoirs e.g. overhead tanks to supply water to sprinklers (Demerara Tobacco Co. Ltd did so since the 90’s). Consideration of external water storage ponds is also a good idea for large factories of office buildings. Unless there are reliable water supplies, automatic fire sprinklers will not serve its intended purpose.
Hemwant Persaud

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