RDP hosts side-by-side burn of mock dorm rooms

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted a controlled side-by-side burn of two replica dorm rooms in conjunction with Red Deer Emergency Services to showcase the importance of fire safety and the competencies of the Polytechnic’s Sprinkler Systems Installer Apprentices. 

A small fire was started in the garbage cans of two mock eight-by-eight-by-eight-foot dorm rooms. One room was equipped with a sprinkler system, which was installed by Red Deer Polytechnic’s second and third-year Sprinkler Systems Installer Apprentices and suffered minimal fire damage. Within minutes, fire engulfed the second room without a sprinkler system, confirming the speed and danger of fire. 

“The side-by-side burn demonstrated the effectiveness that properly installed sprinkler systems by skilled trades workers have on containing and controlling fire to buy time for evacuating and allowing fire personnel to extinguish a fire. It was also another opportunity for the Polytechnic’s Sprinkler Systems Installer Apprentices to apply their knowledge and training in a real-world setting,” says Chris McCloskey, Red Deer Polytechnic’s Sprinklers Systems Installer Instructor and the event’s organizer. 

“Today’s demonstration was a collaborative effort with the Polytechnic’s staff, including Emil Ohler, a fellow Sprinkler Systems Installer Instructor, and external partners. I want to thank the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association for funding the side-by-side burn and Red Deer Emergency Services for providing support and being on-site during the demonstration. Awareness is the key - early detection and having fire sprinklers save lives.”

Joel Gingrich, Dean of Education and Trades, appreciated the multi-faceted purpose of the demonstration.

“The demonstration not only reminded individuals about implementing effective fire safety measures, but it reflected the high-quality skilled trades programming and opportunities at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Gingrich. “This is another example of how the Polytechnic’s instructors and staff provide industry-leading experiences for apprentices in dynamic ways. We are very proud of the Polytechnic’s skilled trades instructors and apprentices, who have earned a positive reputation across the province, country, and globe for being leaders in their fields.”

With the ability of fire to double in size every 30 seconds, sprinkler systems are one important tool that greatly reduces the destruction and negative impact of fires in the right conditions.

“At the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association, our priority is life safety. Fire sprinklers save lives and there is no disputing that fact,” says Jo-Ann Gauthier, Western Regional Manager and National Manager Field Operations, Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association. “Today and every day, you will find the members of our association in the field designing, installing, and manufacturing fire sprinkler devices and systems. It is an honour to stand with the dedicated men and women of the fire sprinkler industry.”

This demonstration precedes National Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15) which raises fire safety awareness through educational initiatives. 

“The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your Escape”, and home fire sprinklers dramatically improve your chances to safely escape a home fire,” says Shane Dussault, Assistant Fire Marshal, Red Deer Emergency Services. “Red Deer Emergency Services reminds everyone to take time to check their smoke alarms.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week.