The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has elected its 2015-2016 Board of Directors. Newly elected directors include Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, S.D. (Region 3) and Lyle Hall of Western Fire Protection in Poway, Calif. (At Large). DiBona will take over the Region 3 director position …
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The Impact of Group A Plastics One of the most critical variables necessary to define the right design basis for the protection of storage is the commodity classification. In evaluating an individual pallet load, Class III and IV commodities have pretty much always been allowed to have some Group A …
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Lessons Learned with Full-Scale Fire Tests on Mattresses There were many quips I heard my parents rattle off in response to the trouble I got myself into, but one of them recently came back to haunt me. And, now having kids of my own, I find myself saying it as …
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I just had a birthday, which made me reflect on my career: what I have accomplished, what I have failed at, and what I still want to achieve. In my professional life, I can look at the buildings and projects I have protected, the range of systems I have designed, …
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This blog contains sponsored content. Project Overview The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Parnassus campus undertook a project in early 2026 to replace nine diesel fuel tanks of varying sizes. Each tank required an independent fire protection system designed to deliver effective coverage across curved tank surfaces. Traditional straight …
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Welcome to summer! While families are planning trips, camps, and getaways, the construction world is planning data centers and energy generation facilities to support them. For some AFSA members, this is exciting news and an opportunity, while others are left wondering how to get involved in these projects. The first …
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As Chair of AFSA, I am proud of the technical skills that define the fire sprinkler industry. Our work requires precision and coordination, which is coupled with hard or difficult installation conditions. Imagine roughing in a steel pipe system on the fourth floor of a hotel, in February, that doesn’t …
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This blog contains sponsored content. Short Descriptor: NFPA 25 doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how to assess your sprinkler system’s testing and replacement needs with a straightforward, environment-based workflow. NFPA research shows that properly working sprinklers dramatically reduce property damage and improve the chance of safe evacuation. Yet many …
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Introducing the Industry to the Next Generation The construction industry is facing a silent crisis: a widening chasm of unoccupied, high-paying roles in specialized trades. Perhaps nowhere is this “labor drought” more critical than in fire sprinkler protection, the invisible backbone of public safety. However, a new powerhouse alliance is …
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Rounding Up the Best Manufacturers and Suppliers The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has rounded up the best manufacturers and suppliers in the fire protection industry for AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. View the best products and services at the event of the year, to be held Sept. 27-30, …
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University of Maryland Holds 12th Annual Burn Day The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was proud to sponsor the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s 12th annual Burn Day, when approximately 175 high school students from 11 schools competed to demonstrate their design and application of fire protection …
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Leadership in Action at the Mid-Year Chapter Conference The 2026 Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference occurred May 5-6 at the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) headquarters in Richardson, Texas. The conference brings chapter leaders together from around the United States to share successes and challenges to aid in the success of …
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Diaz Family Advocates for Retrofits and Upgraded Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings When tragedy struck the Diaz family in 2023, they made a promise that no other family should have to endure the same heartbreaking loss. In the wake of their daughter Melanie’s death in a high-rise apartment fire, Cesar …
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Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association