Standard low-rise residential sprinkler system a first in Ontario
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June 6, 2013
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with Townwood Homes and The Co-operators, is pleased to be part of a “first in Ontario” low-rise residential sprinkler system announcement. Townwood Homes announced at an event today the implementation of two groundbreaking public safety initiatives as standard inclusions at its Mackenzie Ridge Terraces: garage heat detectors and fire sprinklers in all the homes.
“As a City that is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone, I am proud that Vaughan will be the first municipality in Ontario where these important safety initiatives will be implemented,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “I offer my congratulations to Townwood Homes on the leadership role it is taking to keep families safe in their homes. By working together with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, this builder is taking progressive steps to reduce the instances of deadly home fires.”
To provide early detection, garage heat detectors will be installed and connected to the in-home smoke alarm system in the 136 executive townhomes and six semi-detached homes at Mackenzie Ridge Terraces, Townwood’s newest ravine-setting community in Vaughan. An alarm will sound throughout the house if a fire starts in the garage.
Through consultation and collaboration with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, Townwood realized seconds count and decided to also include residential fire sprinklers as a second line of defence.
“Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is pleased Townwood Homes is taking action to mitigate the risks of home fires in Vaughan. In addition to reducing the destruction home fires can cause, sprinkler systems also keep families and firefighters safer in the event of a fire,” said Acting Fire Chief Larry Bentley.
A controlled burn demonstration at the event showed the effectiveness of home sprinklers. Two side-by-side units containing household furniture were lit on fire by Vaughan firefighters. The fire in the unit with the sprinklers was contained and defused in a couple of minutes, while the fire in the unit without sprinklers spread and burned until firefighters put out the flames.
“Townwood is proud to be the first production builder in Ontario to spearhead this important low-rise public safety initiative, which is in keeping with our ‘always the leader’ philosophy,” said Marcello Messersi, vice-president of Townwood Homes. “Townwood’s large number of repeat buyers and next-generation purchasers is a testament to our long tradition of caring for the well-being of our purchasers, and for providing leading-edge design and innovative construction techniques.”
“As an insurance company, we see first-hand the tragic consequences of house fires and we know what a difference fire sprinklers can make,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “We believe fire sprinklers should be installed in every newly built home because they make families and their property much safer; that is what our discount acknowledges. We commend Townwood Homes on their leadership.”
A burn demonstration in a unit without a sprinkler system. (KAZMEDIA PHOTO)