The Case for Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) Model Codes: Debunking Myths That Could Put Firefighters at Risk
Submitted by: Jason Burley, Global Director, FARS, Johnson Controls On May 16, 2025, Daily Dispatch published an opinion piece by code consultant Jeffrey Shapiro entitled Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) – Do They Belong in Model Codes. Mr. Shapiro reaches the misguided conclusion that FARS do not belong in the model code. His piece touched on […]
Response to Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) – Do They Belong in Model Codes
Submitted by: Kristopher Blume and Mark E. Fessenden This response examines Jeffrey Shapiro’s column, Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) – Do They Belong in Model Codes, which questions the inclusion of FARS in model fire codes due to concerns over cost, efficacy, and policy implications. By assessing Shapiro’s arguments and underlying assumptions, this response aims to […]
Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) – Do They Belong in Model Codes
Author: Jeffrey Shapiro, P.E., FSFPE, Fire Protection Engineer, Lake Travis Fire Rescue The fire service has experienced many advances in technology and tactics impacting how we do business since I started my career in the 1970s. Some of these innovations, like widespread use of self-contained breathing apparatus, have become foundational. Others, like the use of […]