Recently there has been some controversy regarding the safety of antifreeze used in fire sprinkler systems. The Nevada State Fire Marshal has released a position statement on the use of antifreeze in sprinkler systems (see link below). The Tahoe Douglas Fire District concurs with the Nevada State Fire Marshal's position on the use of antifreeze. The Fire District does not prohibit the use of antifreeze in sprinkler systems. When it is necessary to use antifreeze in a sprinkler system, there are a number of restrictions: these restrictions include using solutions not exceeding 50% glycerin or 40% propylene glycol and using only factory premixed solutions of antifreeze.  Please see the links below for the Nevada State Fire Marshal's statement on this issue and the most recent research conducted for the National Fire Protection Association on the use of antifreeze in Home Fire Sprinkler Systems.

If you have an existing sprinkler system with an antifreze solution you should contact your sprinkler maintenance company. You should have them confirm that your system does not contain greater than 50% glycerin or 40% glycol. This may require draining the system and refilling it with a factory pre-mixed solution. If you heat your home throughout the cold season, and the sprinkler pipes were adequately insulated at the time of installation, it may be possible to replace the antifreeze solution with water. Your sprinkler contractor can advise you on the viability of this option.

Residential Fire Sprinklers have a demonstrated record of saving lives, we encourage you to keep your sprinkler system operational at all times and have an annual service check completed by a licensed sprinkler contractor.

Please contact the Fire District's Department of Fire Prevention if you have any questions about this issue.

NV_SFM_statement_antifreeze_sprinklers_8_23_2010.pdf

Antifreeze Sprinkler Systems Ph 2 Interim Report.pdf