Most buildings, be they government or private, have fire sprinkler systems in them. This is due to the fact that most local building codes have made them mandatory in all buildings that are newly constructed. One of the most significant advantages to having a fire sprinkler system, other than the obvious, is that it often results in a lower insurance premium. Sprinkler systems are an obvious necessity in high rises where the they make the buildings significantly safer in the event of a fire and, consequently, save many lives. The faster a fire is controlled, the slower it will spread and a sprinkler system may be able to slow the spread of a building fire enough so that any persons within have the time to evacuate safely. Firemen are also able to gain control over a building fire much faster in buildings with an active sprinkler system which is crucial to the summary extinguishing of a fire.

Not only do sprinkler systems help save buildings in the event of fires, but they also help reduce the monetary liability associated with fires. The simple fact that structures in which a sprinkler system is installed reflects desire to protect the occupants of the building and lack of a system reflects indifference. Luckily, it is not left in the hands of the structure' s owner as city codes do not give the owners much choice in the matter as installing a fire sprinkler system is generally mandatory. While the most important advantage of a fire sprinkler system is in affording the people inside the building the precious time to escape, a secondary purpose is to provide some protection for the building and to give firefighters additional time to in which to respond. In cases where there is a sprinkler system involved, monetary losses are generally one fifth of those without.

Fire sprinkler systems are just a piece, though a large one, of all the fire loss prevention that should be used in any commercial building or even home. Fire retardant furniture and building materials are also effective precautions especially when there is a sprinkler involved since the fire sprinklers will be much more effective at containing a fire that simply has less fuel. Leaving a potential building fire deprived of fuel is very simply good thing.