Nashville, TN FARS Code Adoption Case Study

Posted: Nov 29, 2023

In 2022, Nashville became the first city in Tennessee to adopt a code requiring Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) in certain complex structures where the delivery of air resupply presents significant logistical challenges. FARS, a building-installed air standpipe system, is designed to allow firefighters to refill their air bottles in 2 minutes or less under full respiration, greatly reducing their risk of exposure to toxic smoke.

Nashville's path to a FARS code is a model for any city looking to better protect their firefighters. Their code adoption effort started with a demonstration of FARS at Firehouse Expo, held at the Nashville Convention Center. The system made a big impression a group of Nashville firefighters in attendance, among them a member of the training division. They began a push inside the department to consider the system and attracted numerous supporters, including the supervisor in the department's Plan Review Section.

The Training Division staff did extensive research to vet the system, and Codes Division/Plan Review staff determined which system requirements would best to address the safety needs of the city. Ultimately, the department identified the following new construction projects that would trigger the FARS code:

  1. Mid- and high-rise buildings of 75 feet or higher,
  2. Any building with 2 or more floors below grade,
  3. Horizontal structures of 500,000 square feet or more,
  4. Transportation tunnels constructed in accordance with NFPA 130 or 502 that exceed 300’ in length, and
  5. Existing buildings as noted above undergo renovation to 50 percent or more of the building or a change in occupancy classification.

Director Chief William Swann strongly supported the department's due diligence process. When it was complete, fire department leadership reached out to the mayor, city council members, building owners, and developers to communicate the benefits of FARS to public safety and growth management. Ultimately, these often divergent interests came together to support bringing this important firefighter-breathing air technology to Nashville.

With all stakeholders aligned, the Nashville City Council voted to adopt a FARS code.

For Nashville City Council Member Jennifer Frensley Webb, support for FARS was personal. Her son is a Nashville firefighter. "I will have much less sleepless nights," Frensley Webb said. "If you're a true advocate of the people who are saving your lives, I'm going to say, 'Get the system.'"