How Sprinklers Saved a Warehouse – and What You Need to Know Next

Hey there!

Welcome back to PGH Winsupply News! Grab your coffee and settle in. This month we’re looking outward — sharing a remarkable save at a warehouse, highlighting changes in fire‑protection policy and code, and giving you a heads‑up about what's around the corner. Let’s dive in!

When a Warehouse Full of Batteries Went Up in Smoke

Lithium‑ion batteries are everywhere — in tools, e‑bikes, scooters, even tossed into the trash. They’re convenient, but they can be dangerous when mishandled. Earlier this July, a warehouse in Holland, Michigan stored palletized lithium‑ion batteries. A fire erupted, sending nine departments scrambling to the scene. The building’s suppression system activated immediately, preventing the blaze from turning into a catastrophe. Thanks to that well‑maintained system, the damage was contained and business could resume. (riskreductionreview.com)

The lesson? Sprinklers are your silent guardian. They don’t make headlines, but they save companies, livelihoods and, most importantly, lives.

Industry Headlines You Shouldn’t Miss

➡️ Maryland’s Controversial Move

Maryland recently eliminated the requirement to retrofit older high‑rise residential buildings with sprinklers. This decision came despite the state’s own study showing that 87 % of high‑rise fires from 2001–2022 occurred in residential buildings. That same report found that sprinklers reduce injuries by 60 % and property loss by 55 %. Safety advocates are urging lawmakers to reconsider. (phcppros.com)

🗓️ Home Fire Sprinkler Week (May 11–17, 2025)

NFPA’s annual campaign is back next May, focusing on educating homeowners about the benefits of sprinklers. Did you know they can activate in less than two minutes and only the closest head releases water? Home fires still account for over 80 % of civilian structure‑fire deaths, making awareness campaigns more important than ever. (internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com)

🔧 Code Updates & New Standards

• NFPA 1, 101, 72 & 25 — The 2025 editions call for stricter fire‑department access, improved evacuation planning and more rigorous inspection and maintenance. If you manage apartments, healthcare facilities or warehouses, review your safety plans now. (dynafire.com)

• NFPA 13 — Relief valves now have clarified pressure ranges: they must open between 90 % and 105 % of their rating and close above 80 %. A 175‑psi valve can open anywhere from 158 to 184 psi and should not close below 140 psi. (content.agfmfg.com)

• Healthcare High‑Rises — CMS requires all existing healthcare occupancies above 75 feet to be fully sprinklered by July 5, 2028. Integration with fire‑alarm systems is complex, so start planning now. (hfmmagazine.com)

🔋 Battery Fires & Safe Practices

Beyond Michigan, a battery tossed into recycling in Kamloops, Canada ignited a fire, an e‑mobility battery set a Queens pizzeria ablaze, and an electric scooter fire in Hawaii injured a resident. Remember: store and dispose of batteries properly and trust your sprinklers to do their job. (riskreductionreview.com)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Family Business With Staying Power

On a positive note, AGF Manufacturing — the folks who invented the single‑handle TESTANDRAIN valve — just welcomed their third generation of McHughs into leadership. In an industry full of mergers, a family‑owned company that continues to innovate and serve is inspiring. (content.agfmfg.com)

Need Materials? We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you’re planning a new install, updating an existing system, or quoting a future project, we’re here to help. Providing all the details up front (pipe schedule, end prep, lengths, materials) helps us get you the right materials faster — and at the right price.

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Until Next Time…

Thanks for reading this edition of Pittsburgh Winsupply News! We love sharing stories, updates and best practices that keep our industry safe and smart. As the old saying goes, “Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.” That mindset underpins everything from proper installation and maintenance to staying ahead of code changes.

We’ll be back next month with more insights. Until then, stay safe, stay informed and reach out if we can help keep your projects running smoothly.

Cheers,
The Team at PGH Winsupply