December 11, 2014
MAINE FIRE SPRINKLER COALITION MEETING NOTES
Brillant, Ken
Cammack, Jeffrey
Cotter, P
Flynt, William
Higgins, Tom
LaFond, Dave
Leach, Gerry
Mains, David
Martell, John
McCarthy, Rich
Murray, Mike
Nash, Bill
OlFene, Amy
Pendleton, David
Schmidt, Vicki
Soltan, Charlie
Thomas, Joe
Travers, Tim
Veilleux, Marc
MFCA
MFCA
Sanford, ME FD
Sprinkler Contractor
MFCA
NFSA
ME SFMO
Raymond, ME FD
PFFM – IAFF
ME SFMO
State Farm Insurance
ICC
State Farm Insurance
Saco, ME FD
Buckfield, ME FD
ME Assoc. of Insurance Companies
ME SFMO
NFPA
MFCA
Self-introductions of attendees above. After a presentation by NFPA’s Tim Travers
on the fire sprinkler initiative, questions and discussions centered on overall cost of
home fire sprinklers.
For instance: Sq. ft. vs. % of total construction costs. $ 1.35 national average per sq.
ft. vs. 1 to 1 ½ % construction costs. This topic also included insurance discounts for
sprinkler installations.
State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas introduced Michael Murray and Amy Olfene from the
law offices of Drummond, Woodsum, Portland, ME. Attorney Murray indicated that
they represent State Farm Insurance. State Farm is concerned about Maine because
nearly every fire loss claim that is processed is from a total fire loss. Attorney
Murray stated that State Farm wants to be engaged and will assist with lobbying and
the legislative process.
For background purposes, State Farm Insurance is a participating partner with the
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition but Maine is the first State in the U.S. where State Farm
wants to become actively involved.
Fire Marshal Thomas went on to talk about the benefits of home fire sprinklers and
emphasized that the coalition should not focus on the costs of this life saving
technology. Marshal Thomas discussed the risks associated with new construction
and time for structural collapse.
This topic brought about additional comments from the coalition members, which
included the newer home furnishings and the increased time for total fire
involvement or flashover and the extreme hazards for the responding firefighters.
 Safety measure for the homeowners/ firefighters.
 Federal grants to Fire Departments and comparisons to costs of engineering
fire protections.
 Encourage the benefits of home sprinklers and do not argue the sprinkler
costs.
 Provide the facts so as to make informed decisions.
Attorney Murray asked for more data on the 1½ % costs. For instance is this a real
figure or is it 3 – 5 %? He also asked about model legislation to be utilized. Attorney
Murray was told that the model language exists in the International Residential
Code (IRC) 2009 Edition, adopted by the State of Maine. RS for one- and two-family
homes deleted.
Questions came up as far as how many Maine communities have existing “ local
option” ordinances. The answer was 5 or 6 but the Town of Gorham has a database
on this subject.
Further discussion centered on the Homebuilders and Real estate professions. It
was said that these groups need to be educated on the value of home sprinklers.
Also the overall costs to the communities when firefighters suffer life-altering
injuries and or die in the line of duty.
After a short discussion motion was made and passed to have State Fire Marshal Joe
Thomas take on the leadership role of Coalition Chairman. John Martell, President of
the Maine Professional Firefighters was selected as Vice Chairman.
Chairman Thomas spoke on strategic planning for the coalition.
 Ideas on how to advance the cause.
 Need representatives from the sprinkler industry, plumbing industry and
real estate industry.
 Find compromise; expand the group to make it successful.
 What do we need to do?
 Coalition is not ready for legislation yet until a plan is formulated.


Right plan for the right time for the right reasons.
What needs to be put together to make this initiative successful?
Discussions on involvement of the Maine Building Code officials. This group is
usually the first people to meet with new homeowners and real estate professionals.
Further talk on involving community leaders and economic development officials.
Dialogue continued on putting together a 10 – 15 minute presentation for different
community groups so as to become ambassadors. Attorney Murray stated that his
group is wiling to help with putting this presentation together and also help out
with calls to Maine legislators when needed.
Chairman Thomas suggested that the next meeting to held in the Fallen Hero’s room
on December 23, 2015 at 1000 hours. At this meeting the group will discuss
logistical needs for the February 2015 Hall of Flags day at the State House.
Items for discussion:
 Tables for exhibits.
 Information on home sprinklers.
 Maine fire sprinkler coalition banner to be made up.
 Develop answers for questions.
 Develop a matrix. E.g. Argument – solutions. Counter complaints on costs.
 Other logistical considerations.
Notes taken by:
David A. LaFond
December 15, 2014