Renton Firefighters See Rise In Sprinkler Connection Thefts

RENTON, WA — The Renton Regional Fire Authority said thieves have hit several buildings over the last month, stealing standpipe valves that help firefighters boost water supply during emergencies. The brass connections can fetch between $25 and $35 for scrap metal, officials said, but the cost to replace them can be more than $1,000.

If the fixtures go unreplaced, everyone faces added dangers.

"This puts the public, businesses, and our firefighters at risk if there is a fire," fire officials said. "The affected buildings have been large multifamily residences and large warehouses. If there is a fire in any of these buildings, the fire department cannot rely upon the fire sprinkler systems to operate as designed until the repairs are made."

The fire authority said at least nine buildings reported such thefts in recent weeks.

To help prevent or report thefts, the RFA recommends:

• Check the Fire Department Connection and Standpipe fittings on a regular basis.
• The only people that should ever touch these fixtures are fire sprinkler contractors and firefighters. If you see someone tampering with any of these items, contact the police.
• If a fixture has been stolen, report this to the police and contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at firemarshal@rentonrfa.org or via phone at 425-276-9580