Fire Prevention Day 2025, observed on October 9, is led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote fire safety and prevention. The day is dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, property damage, and economic loss caused by fire and related hazards. It also commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a tragedy that devastated the city and ultimately inspired the creation of modern fire codes and public education efforts.

As the Director of Fire Protection, Bryan Zach, PE, oversees the design and implementation of systems that protect both people and property. His expertise spans fire suppression, detection, code compliance, and life safety strategy, allowing him to guide projects from concept through completion with precision and reliability. His passion is driven by the work that Core States Group has been able to achieve, linking the direct impact on saving lives and creating safer environments where communities and businesses can thrive.

Fire protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution; system requirements depend on many factors, such as occupancy type, building height, construction methods, and potential hazards like high-piled storage or special conditions that influence design strategies. Because fire protection systems intersect with architecture, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, early coordination across disciplines is essential to avoid costly conflicts. A thorough water supply analysis is also critical, as inaccurate data can result in systems that are either undersized or unnecessarily overbuilt. As Bryan emphasized, “Never lose sight of the end goal, which is protecting people.” Ultimately, safeguarding occupants comes down to effective evacuation times, clear alarm audibility, and reliable suppression performance.

At Core States Group, our MEP team integrates fire protection into every stage of a project by treating it as a core discipline, not an afterthought. From the early design phase, our fire protection specialists collaborate with architects and engineers to align systems with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing layouts, ensuring seamless coordination and avoiding conflicts. By applying NFPA standards, building codes, and local requirements, we design customized suppression, detection, and life safety solutions tailored to each building’s unique use and hazards.

Interested in learning more about Core States Group’s Fire Protection capabilities and how our team’s expertise can support your next project or program? Reach out to Bryan Zach, PE, Director of Fire Protection, for more information.