From
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Title
Appendix L of the 2015 ICC International Fire Code to allow the installation of the Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) in commercial structures over 4 stories tall and/or over 500,000 square feet
Presenter
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
Appendix L of the 2015 Fire Code supports local fire departments in requiring the FARS installation on hi-rise and big box structures. The FARS is an stainless air line system that is added throughout the building, usually in conjunction with the standpipe system, that will allow the fire department to connect to an outside manifold and fill the system with compressed air. Subsequently, firefighters operating inside the structure who become low on air can fill their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) at remote fill stations near or around the standpipe connections. This greatly improves firefighter safety and accountability as well as our operational efficiency.
Appendix L was recently approved in McKinney, Plano and Frisco by their City Councils and is being evaluated by most DFW cities experiencing growth in large structures.
Financial Consideration
No financial consideration to the City. However, there is a cost to the developer or construction firm. The FARS cost depends on how many connections and number of stories involved. One recent project in Texas of 1 million square feet and a total project cost of $325 million, the installation of the FARS was $218,000. The average cost per square foot is 18-22 cents. Other fire protection systems mandated by the Fire Code include Fire Alarms systems at $4-$7 per square foot and Fire Sprinkler systems at $2-$7 per square foot.