Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers


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Upcoming events

    • 03/05/2026
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Mimi's Cafe - Turkey Creek
    Register

    TVSFPE,

    TVSFPE will be meeting Thursday (3/5/2026) at Mimi's Café in Turkey Creek:  https://www.mimiscafe.com/locations/knoxville/

    The meeting will be from 6pm to 8pm. The speaker is Dean Rushin of FFE. He will be presenting on:

    "Mastering Beam Smoke and Linear Heat Detection". 

    Description: 

    Standard spot detectors aren't always the right tool for the job. In this session, we explore specialized fire detection strategies for challenging environments where height, scale, or accessibility make traditional methods impractical.We will deep-dive into Beam Smoke Detection, covering its economic advantages in high-ceiling structures like atriums and warehouses. Attendees will learn to navigate the complexities of smoke stratification and adapt to upcoming NFPA 72 spacing guidelines. The second half of the presentation shifts to Linear Heat Detection (LHD). We will compare traditional fixed-temperature systems with emerging programmable technologies, providing clear criteria for selecting the best system based on ambient conditions. From elevator shafts to road tunnels, learn how to design, test, and maintain these rugged systems through real-world case studies. 

    Speaker Introduction

    Dean provides detection related support to fire and life safety professionals across the Americas. With a mechanical engineering degree from Northern Illinois University, he applies over a decade of experience from the optics industry and 4 years at FFE to the field of specialty fire detection.








    Andrea Franchini is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Structural Fire Engineering Team at Ghent University (Belgium). His research focuses on probabilistic performance-based analysis, design, and optimisation of structures exposed to extreme hazards, with particular emphasis on fire, as well as on optimal experimental design under uncertainty. He holds a PhD from University College London (UK) and a double MSc in Structural Engineering from the University of Trento (Italy) and Tongji University (China). His project titled “A Novel Risk-Based Fire Design Method for Sustainable Structures” received a Student Research Grant from the SFPE Foundation within the May 2022 Grant Cycle.

    A social hour will be held between 5pm and 6pm. 

    Please note that Mimi's Cafe' has food, and is located at 10945 Parkside Dr. Knoxville, TN 37934

    Previous Meeting Minutes will be attached below.


    Below are the TVSFPE By-Law Revisions with edits for your review. The final reading and approval will be at the 3/5 meeting. Provide comments to president@tvsfpe.org.  


    Thank you,

    Channing Walmsley

    TVSFPE Secretary

    Cell: 865-320-7091

    Office: 865-241-5755

    http://www.tvsfpe.org/

    • 04/06/2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 04/07/2026
    • 4:00 PM
    • Bearden Banquet Hall [5806 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919]
    Register

    Fire Sprinkler Plan Review, IFC Requirements for Flammable/Combustible Liquids, and Rough & Final Inspections of Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Presented by Jon Nisja, National Fire Sprinkler Association


    See TVSFPE 2026 Annual Seminar Flyer


    TVSFPE will host a two-day course covering  three topics. 


    IFC Fire Protection Requirements for Flammable/Combustible Liquids (Half Day): This course will provide attendees with the necessary information to apply, interpret and enforce the hazardous materials requirements specific to flammable/ combustible liquids from the International Fire Code. How to apply the maximum allowable quantity requirements to determine the occupancy classification, determine and define control areas, and how to apply increases for fire sprinklers and hazardous materials storage cabinets using Table 5003.1.1(1) will also be discussed. Other topics discussed include container and tank construction requirements and fire protection requirements, including foam, PFAS and the transition away from AFFF to fluorine-free foams. Requirements from NFPA 25 for ITM will also be discussed. (3.5 hrs)

    Rough and Final Inspection of Fire Sprinkler Systems (Half Day): This one-day course provides attendees with vital information on how to conduct the field inspections for new fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinklers are installed in stages and inspections are required before commencing to the next stage. The codes require periodic on-site inspections as the work progresses, to be installed according to the approved construction documents. This work must be inspected and approved before being covered or before the system is commissioned. This course points out the visual and physical inspection requirements of the latest codes and standards.. (3.5 hrs)

    Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (Full day): Examining fire sprinkler shop drawings, cut sheets and hydraulic calculations is a primary duty of the authority having jurisdiction. This course will provide an efficient and thorough review of plans and other fire sprinkler documents. Attendees will learn what documents to accept to start a review, what steps to take through the fire sprinkler design and systems review, and how to have confidence while reviewing hydraulic calculations. This course applies current codes and standards to fire sprinkler systems from the initial site plan review, through the construction documents, to the as-built drawings. Considerable time on how to effectively communicate deficiencies to the design professional. Students will receive a handout that provides detailed checklists with expert commentary that is useful to the fire sprinkler plan reviewer for years to come. (7 hrs)


    Instructor:

    Jon Nisja is a Fire Protection and Data Specialist with the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). Prior to working for NFSA, Jon served as a fire marshal since 1985 in two communities and as a state fire safety supervisor for the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. From 2005-2022, he supervised the State Fire Marshal’s fire protection, training, and data teams. He is the past president of both the Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota and the International Fire Marshals Association. Jon’s fire safety interests include fire protection systems, using data to demonstrate performance, fire-related building construction, and fire service history. He can be contacted at nisja@nfsa.org.


    Location:

    This seminar will be held at the Bearden Banquet Hall: 5806 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919.


    Seminar registration cost is $500 for professionals and $250 for fire service and state/municipal code officials. The registration cost does not include travel or lodging expenses.  Registration and payment deadline is March 29, 2026.  You will receive a confirmation of receipt of registration form and payment. A receipt and map/directions (if requested) will accompany the confirmation. Please register online or mail the completed registration form, with payment, to:
    TVSFPE 2025 Seminar c/o Justin Gardner
    9047 Executive Park Drive, Suite 203, Knoxville 37923


    The seminar will consist of a morning session and an afternoon session each day with a lunch break in between. The morning sessions will begin at 8:00AM and end at approximately 11:30AM each day. There will be a one-hour lunch break from 11:30PM to 12:30PM. The afternoon sessions will begin at 12:30PM and end at approximately 4:00PM each day.


    ***Class materials will be provided electronically. Printed class materials are available for an extra charge.***

    The seminar is an excellent opportunity to accumulate CEUs or PDHs. This seminar will provide 12 continuing education credits. The State of TN, pending approval, will issue 12 CEUs for Fire Inspector and Building Inspector. Participants will receive class materials, breakfast and lunch both days, and a
    certificate of completion for the course.

    For any questions about registration, seminar details and/or the TVSFPE in general contact David DeVinney at (270) 303-5976 or david.devinney@tvsfpe.org


    A portion of seminar proceeds will be applied to the TVSFPE Scholarship Fund, which allows us to provide an annual scholarship to students pursuing formal education in the field of fire protection.


Past events

02/05/2026 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 2/5/2026
01/08/2026 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 1/8/2026
11/06/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 11/6/2025
10/02/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 10/2/2025
09/04/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 9/4/2025
05/01/2025 2025 TVSFPE Picnic- Knoxville Smokies Game
04/03/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 4/3/2025
03/31/2025 2025 TVSFPE Annual Seminar: Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Acceptance Testing, IBC/IFC Ch. 10: Means of Egress, IBC/IFC Ch. 8: Interior Finish, Decorations, and Furnishings
03/06/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 3/6/2025
02/06/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 2/6/2025
01/02/2025 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 1/2/2025
11/07/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 11/7/2024
10/03/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 10/3/2024
09/05/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 9/5/2024
05/02/2024 2024 TVSFPE Picnic- Tennessee Smokies Game
04/17/2024 2024 TVSFPE Annual Seminar: Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Forensic Fire Scene Risk Assessments
04/04/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 4/4/2024
03/07/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 3/7/2024
02/01/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 2/1/2024
01/04/2024 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 1/4/2024
11/02/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 11/2/2023
10/05/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 10/5/2023
09/07/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 9/7/2023
05/11/2023 2023 TVSFPE Spring Picnic
04/17/2023 2023 TVSFE Annual Seminar: Significant Changes to the IFC/IBC, IFC Hazardous Materials, and IEBC Analysis
04/06/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 4/6/2023
03/02/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 3/2/2023
02/09/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 2/9/2023
01/12/2023 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 1/12/2023
11/10/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 11/10/2022
10/20/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 10/20/2022
09/08/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 09/08/2022
05/12/2022 TVSFPE Picnic- Tennessee Smokies Game
04/21/2022 2022 TVSFE Annual Seminar: CFAST-Based Fire Simulation Training
04/14/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 04/14/2022
03/10/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 03/10/2022
02/10/2022 TVSFPE Chapter Meeting 2/10/22
01/13/2022 TVSFPE January Meeting
11/11/2021 TVSFPE November Meeting
10/14/2021 TVSFPE October Meeting
09/09/2021 September 2021 Monthly Meeting
05/13/2021 TVSFPE Spring Picnic
04/08/2021 April 2021 Monthly Meeting
03/10/2020 March 2020 Monthly Meeting
02/11/2020 February 2020 Monthly Meeting
01/14/2020 January 2020 Monthly Meeting
11/12/2019 November 2019 Monthly Meeting
10/08/2019 October 2019 Monthly Meeting
09/10/2019 September 2019 Monthly Meeting

TN Valley Society of Fire Protection Engineers

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TVSFPE is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.  Any such donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by IRS guidelines.

TVSFPE is a local chapter of SFPE.

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