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The importance of fire detection in commercial facilities


In a December 2025 article for Facilities Management Advisor, Johnson Controls Rodger Reiswig, SET, PMSFPE, highlighted the need for clear and concise fire detection in commercial buildings. 

“They are a necessity,” he says, both to protect building occupants and to help mitigate more than $3 billion in fire-related losses over a 10-year period. Among his recommendations, he encourages commercial facilities managers to refresh their understanding of:

  • NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code
  • The unique hazards, protocols and training requirements within their buildings
  • New and emerging innovations in fire detection

Read the full article in Facilities Management Advisor for all the insights.

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“Malfunctioning and outdated technology pose the biggest risk to fire safety for commercial facilities.”

– Dr. Rodger Reiswig, Fellow and vice president of industry relations, Johnson Controls

Got questions? We've got answers.


FAQs about effective fire detection in commercial buildings.


Why is fire detection so critical in commercial buildings?
Fire detection systems are essential for protecting occupants and reducing property damage. Over a 10-year period, commercial fires caused more than $3 billion in losses, making early detection a key factor in improving outcomes per the U.S. Fire Administration.

How do building-specific risks impact fire detection planning?
Every facility has unique hazards, layouts and occupant behaviors. Fire detection strategies should account for these differences through proper system selection, clear procedures and ongoing training.

How can new fire detection innovations help commercial buildings?
Modern fire detection includes addressable notification appliances, improved monitoring capabilities and clearer notification methods that help occupants understand what to do during an emergency.