Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards help promote safety and prevent fire incidents by setting clear requirements for suppression systems and inspections.

When these protections erode, hazards persist, systems are impaired, and occupants overestimate safety. Defending codes keeps commercial fires under control and protects business continuity.

Last week at the NAFED conference in Cleveland, FEMA was proud to serve as both a sponsor and exhibitor, continuing the conversations that have shaped recent NAFED meetings in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

The focus remained on the same key issues driving early-stage fire protection, including NFPA standards, equipment placement, and maintenance practices that help support clear, enforceable code requirements.

These discussions connect field performance to the decisions that protect building occupants, property, and business continuity.

Fire hose cabinets, standpipe valves, and hose stations work alongside portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems when installed to NFPA standards. Together, they give trained personnel and fire service a reliable way to control fires before they spread, with routine inspection keeping valves operating and hose lines performing as intended.

These integrated systems are critical in high-rise, assembly, and industrial settings where egress is complex. Consistent standards help ensure systems are understood, maintained, and capable of performing when needed most.

In a recent mixed-use building fire in Ohio, a resident used a portable fire extinguisher to contain the furnace flames until firefighters arrived, limiting damage to one unit and preventing injuries.

This shows portable fire extinguishers as the first line of defense, buying time for responders when codes ensure proper selection and maintenance. Strong requirements keep these tools reliable for occupants and owners.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4rSQAq0

Firefighters respond to early‑morning apartment fire in downtown Uhrichsville - WJER Radio 100.9FM & 1450AM UHRICHSVILLE (WJER) (March 19, 2026) – Firefighters say no one was hurt after an early‑morning fire broke out in a mixed‑use building downtown Thursday. Fire Chief Justin Edwards says crews were called just before 3 a.m. to the 400 block of North Main Street, where flames were reported in a [....

Layered fire protection is the proven standard for safety. Systems work together to give building occupants their best chance to control a fire in its earliest stages.

When standards require these systems to be accessible and properly maintained, small incidents are more likely to remain contained before they spread beyond the area of origin.

Clear requirements, enforced codes, and reliable equipment support performance when access and response time matter most.

Fire safety isn’t just about one solution. It’s about alignment.

Codes set the rules, fire protection systems deliver early control, and training ensures proper performance in the field. When all three work together, buildings and the people inside them are better protected.

Last week at the NAFED Conference in Atlantic City, industry leaders once again came together to connect on key fire protection challenges and code developments.

Building on recent conversations, key issues impacting the industry remain consistent, including lithium-ion battery risks, suppression agent considerations, and ongoing NFPA updates.

These priorities help inform fire protection requirements and support equipment and system reliability. They will continue to be discussed at the NAFED Conference in Cleveland next month, where the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association will also be exhibiting.

Kitchen staff at Easy Street Cafe in Bowling Green, OH used a portable fire extinguisher to knock down a cooking fire before it spread further. Fire crews arrived to find the incident contained with no injuries and minimal damage reported.

Stories like this show why required early-stage equipment changes outcomes when seconds count.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4tWJKCa

Crews put out kitchen fire at Bowling Green's Easystreet Café Traffic had to be rerouted off Wooster Street onto Main Street while crews put out the fire.

Strong fire safety starts with clear, well-defined codes. They set the foundation for consistent protection, guide proper installation and maintenance, and help prevent gaps in fire safety. Advocacy and industry collaboration ensure these codes stay current and effective, keeping buildings and people reliably protected.