Under NFPA 13R, which statement is true about sprinklers in closets located under stairs?

Under NFPA 13R, which statement is true about sprinklers in closets located under stairs?

• A. Sprinklers are required in closets under stairs.
• B. Sprinklers are not required in closets under stairs.
• C. Closets under stairs require only smoke detectors.
• D. Closets under stairs are exempt from sprinkler coverage.

Answer: (A)

In low-rise residential systems, areas under a stair enclosure are considered high-risk spaces that can quickly contribute fire to the rest of the dwelling through the stairwell. Placing a sprinkler in the closet beneath the stairs provides immediate water to the location where a fire could start or spread, helping to control the fire at its source and slow its progress up the stair shaft. This protection is part of NFPA 13R’s approach to ensure sufficient automatic suppression in areas that could rapidly affect life safety and egress on multiple levels. Relying on detectors alone does not suppress a fire, and there are no exemptions that skip sprinkler coverage for closets under stairs.

In low-rise residential systems, areas under a stair enclosure are considered high-risk spaces that can quickly contribute fire to the rest of the dwelling through the stairwell. Placing a sprinkler in the closet beneath the stairs provides immediate water to the location where a fire could start or spread, helping to control the fire at its source and slow its progress up the stair shaft. This protection is part of NFPA 13R’s approach to ensure sufficient automatic suppression in areas that could rapidly affect life safety and egress on multiple levels. Relying on detectors alone does not suppress a fire, and there are no exemptions that skip sprinkler coverage for closets under stairs.