HEY TEXAS, TRY HOLDING YOUR BREATH WHILE YOU READ THIS.

But if you’re a firefighter on the fifth floor of a burning building, surrounded by smoke, running low on air, and not able to take that next breath, that is a very big deal. And without access to fast and efficient air resupply, when minutes matter, it takes firefighters longer to perform critical tasks like search and rescue and fire suppression during an active fire—which affects us all.

FARS: AN IMPORTANT BREAKTHROUGH IN PUBLIC SAFETY YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD OF 

In 2021, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) made a forward- looking decision. They recommended that all of its 230-member governments adopt Appendix L of the International Fire Code, requiring Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) in new high-rise buildings. More than 25 cities in the region, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, Plano, and Frisco, have implemented this recommendation, making newly constructed high-rise buildings in North Texas among the safest in the country.

Last month, the NCTCOG Fire Advisory Board voted to affirm the 2021 recommendation on FARS and to refine specifications on the building types that should be equipped with FARS. This action came after committee members heard from Frisco firefighters, who used FARS in a high-rise fire, and from fire chiefs throughout the region who support FARS.

This month, the Regional Code Correlating Committee of the NCTCOG will vote on the Fire Advisory Board’s recommendations. We hope they will vote in the affirmative and continue the important work of keeping firefighters and the citizens they protect safe.

We’re appreciative that FARS is getting the thoughtful review it deserves, and we encourage all citizens of North Texas to understand the importance of FARS and make sure regional leadership continues to support the adoption of FARS requirements in local fire codes as another system to provide support to firefighters.

WHAT IS FARS?

A FARS is a standpipe for air permanently installed inside a high-rise building. Just like water standpipes provide hook-ups for firefighters’ hoses, FARS provides fill stations throughout a building where firefighters can refill their air tanks—even on the uppermost floors.

Up until a few years ago, air resupply in a tall building fire was done the old-fashioned way— by hand. It’s a slow, labor-intensive slog climbing up numerous flights of stairs carrying full air tanks and bringing down the empties. And it’s made more difficult by the roughly 75+ pounds of protective clothing and equipment firefighters must wear.

MORE AIR = MORE TIME

FARS is the fastest, safest and most efficient way for firefighters to replenish their air supply when and where they need it most—inside the building and close to the seat of a fire.

More air means more time. When firefighters can stay on air longer, they can focus their time and energy on their primary mission: fighting fires and saving lives—including their own.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU

Look around. As North Texas continues its rapid growth with taller, higher-density residential and commercial developments, the need for these systems is critical. Modern buildings burn hotter and faster than older structures, creating a more toxic environment that depletes firefighters’ air supply quicker than ever.

When firefighters run out of air, they must retreat—leaving the people inside unprotected and at greater risk.

Think about that the next time you find yourself:

• In a high-rise residential building where you and your family or friends may live
• In an office tower where you may work
• In a commercial building where you conduct your business
• In a public venue where you and your family gather

FORWARD-THINKING CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE EMBRACING FARS, AND TEXAS IS LEADING THE WAY

More than 75 jurisdictions throughout the state of Texas now require FARS in certain large structures. The NCTCOG’s recommendation that its member governments adopt codes requiring FARS improves safety for more than 11,000 firefighters in the North Texas region, as well as the 8.4 million people who live and work here.

Nationally, FARS is required in jurisdictions across 26 states, including 12 major metropolitan areas. FARS represents the modern standard for building safety and is endorsed by fire safety professionals nationwide. Texas should be proud of its pioneering role in the adoption and implementation of this important life safety system.

LEARN MORE

We invite you to learn more about why FARS technology is being adopted across the country—and how it plays a critical role in strengthening public safety right here in North Texas. And if you know a fire chief or fire marshal in North Texas, thank them for their support and tell them that knowing a safety system like FARS is in your city helps all of us breathe a little easier.