VOLUNTOWN, CONN. – Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products donated a Rapid Response Home Fire Sprinkler System to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for the Girard family’s new home here, this past December. A devastating fire destroyed the family’s home in August 2007.
When Kedric Bartsch, research technician at Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products, read the family’s story in the news, he began looking for a way to get a sprinkler system installed in the new home. Bartsch contacted Bruce Hayn, builder and owner of Home Designs by Bruno, to work on the assignment.
“Kedric wanted to ensure that the home was as safe as possible, and a sprinkler system is the only proven technology that actively works to contain home fires,” said Darren Palmieri, product manager at Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. “Giving the family that degree of protection was especially important in this case because the family has already experienced the devastation of a home fire.”
The Rapid Response Home Fire Sprinkler System is always on call and responds during a threatening fire when surrounding air temperature rises and the sprinkler closest to the fire activates.
The sprinklers are linked by a network of Tyco BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings. Because of its reliability, performance and ease of installation, CPVC has become the industry preferred piping system for residential fire sprinkler systems. BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings are designed for fire sprinkler systems and have more than 20 years of proven, reliable performance in the field.
Bartsch worked closely with Hayn to fast-track the system design and approval process. Bartsch and his team, along with employees of Cintas Fire Suppression Systems and members of the Sprinkler Fitters Local 676 worked around the clock to install the system.
“It was a tiring few days, but we were strengthened by the community’s support,” said Bartsch. “People were excited when they found out we were installing a sprinkler system. It gave them peace of mind that the family will be safe and the house will be protected.”
The project was completed Dec. 11, 2008, and the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” episode aired Feb. 8, 2009, on ABC.