FONTANA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RECALL

The City of Fontana has required fire sprinklers in residential homes since 1987. On October 14, 1998, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler announced a nationwide recall of approximately 8.4 million Omega brand fire sprinklers manufactured since 1982. (Read the CPSC Announcement)

This was after there were received reports of Omega sprinkler not functioning in several fires, resulting in millions of dollars in damages as well as injuries. As of 2009, there have been several such failures documented within the City of Fontana, indicating that there are potentially many of these Omega sprinkler heads in homes just like yours. The Fontana Fire District recently sent out a letter on October 19, 2009, notifying all residents who may not be aware of this issue (the letter is online in English and en Espanol).

WHY OMEGA SPRINKLER HEADS ARE DEFECTIVE

Central Omega heads are one of several model of sprinkler heads in which the design includes a rubber "O-ring" seal that has been shown to degrade over time. This, in turn prevents the plug in the sprinkler head from being pushed out and allowing water to spray out. In some cases, these sprinkler heads were directly over a fire and failed to operate.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE OMEGA SPRINKLER HEADS

The Central Omega sprinkler can be distinguished from

most other fire sprinklers because of its three disc that protrude from the bottom; however other models may look similar, so you should verify that the model is indeed a Central Omega sprinkler. You can also visually inspect your sprinkler heads and note the model number on the deflector - the piece of metal that is visible by looking at the sprinkler head from bottom - or on the body of the sprinkler head itself. Because removing sprinkler heads takes special tools and knowledge, it is recommended that you contact a licensed sprinkler contractor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE OMEGA SPRINKLER HEADS

As a homeowner or occupant, you no doubt want to protect yourself, and make sure that your vital life safety system is in proper working order. Replacing your sprinkler heads is the best way to ensure that your system will function properly in the event of a fire. After reviewing this information, please contact a licensed C-16 fire protection contractor and explain what you need done. Most contractors give free estimates for replacing sprinkler heads, and be sure to get several in order to get a competitive price. (See a list of contractors)

The Fontana Fire District wants to reassure all residents in the city of Fontana that Sprinklers Save Lives and Property. For more information, you may wish to call our Fire Prevention Office at (909) 428-8890

Fire District Boundary Map

Fire Reorganization FAQs

Fire Reorganization Wrap-Up

Home Fire Sprinkler Systems

Omega Fire Sprinkler System Recall

Fire Sprinkler System FAQ

Fire Sprinkler System Basic Tips

Fire Sprinkler System Do's and Don'ts

Links

Fontana City Hall: 8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335 Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(909) 350-7600

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