Abstract:

This report studied the effectiveness of sprinklered and nonsprinklered fire protection options in small Board and Care (B&C) homes. The overwhelming majority of B&C fatalities occur to residents who are chaIlenged by some disability (i.e. mental, developmental, or physical). To date, sprinklers are more reliable and more effective than compartmentation at preventing fatalities and protecting property in the occupancy. Detection system false alarms, smoke leakage through concealed spaces, fire degradation of wall and ceiling sheathing, and resident injuries which hamper evacuation can all reduce the reliability of the compartmentation/evacuation system, even when doors are not chocked open.