Considering home sprinklers? Why firefighters say you should do it

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (KDVR) — Residential sprinklers were put to the test during live-fire demonstrations at a Commerce City home Thursday.

The house used in the demonstration was built in cooperation with Prairie View High School and the South Adams County Fire Department.

“We know that residential sprinklers can reduce the risk of fatal fires by more than 90% and can also dispel property damage by more than 3,800%. That’s about 98 percent less damage in homes with sprinklers,” said Fire Protection Division Chief Brittany Brown.

The shared data and demonstrations come at an important time in Commerce City.

“We are really fortunate to have all the new homes being built within 8 feet of a lot line here in Commerce City that receive residential sprinklers,” Brown said. “So we got this ordinance and we're trying to spread it even further. We're looking toward Adams County.

Automatic fire sprinklers add about 1% to home costs

Brown said that with many of these systems aimed at new homes, there is only a cost increase of about 1% to 1.3%.

“What we're looking at, on average, is between $2 and $3 per square foot,” Brown said. “We're looking at worst-case scenario, probably $12,000, which, I mean, is a new kitchen. That's less than a new floor. This will save your home 98% less damage and could save your life.

FOX31, the only news team there, captured video of the difference between two rooms: one with a sprinkler and one without. See the damage differences in the video above.