Learn how the North Central Texas Council of Governments is enhancing firefighter safety by recommending the adoption of Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) in new high-rise and large buildings. Discover how this technology ensures faster, safer air supply for firefighters in Texas.
"A game-changer for firefighter safety ... And Texas is leading the way."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARLINGTON, TEXAS -- The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is recommending its member cities adopt Appendix L of the International Fire Code, which would mandate the installation of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS) in construction of new high-rise buildings, big-box style horizontal structures, and other large buildings in their jurisdictions.
FARS are a standpipe for air, the latest technology in building-installed firefighter life safety systems. FARS deliver a safe, instant supply of air replenishment to firefighters so they can survive in the toxic, smoky environment of a structure fire. Just as water standpipes replaced water buckets as a delivery system, FARS replaces the "bottle brigade" of firefighters who must hand-carry replacement air bottles up dozens of flights of stairs, or deep into structures, to provide air replenishment to fire crews. With FARS, firefighters can refill their air bottles in 2 minutes or less under full respiration at fill stations located throughout a building -- a much faster, safer, more reliable way to resupply air and avoid the poisonous effects of smoke.
More than 25 cities in Texas now require FARS, including Midland, Plano, and Frisco. In May of 2021, members of the Frisco Fire Department successfully used a FARS to refill their air bottles during a working fire in a 12-story residential high-rise. There were no injuries.
The NCTCOG amendments are available for any jurisdiction to adopt throughout the county, andnumerous cities throughout the state are expected to adopt FARS in this code cycle. Nationwide, FARS are now required in cities in 20 states. [Download "Recommended Amendments to the 2021 International Fire Code North Central Texas Council of Governments"]
