Reports that the city of Los Angeles that all buildings over 150 ft tall must be fitted with fire protection storage tanks. Describes an innovative concept that integrates thermal storage with life safety systems. Points out that in situations where a storage tank is mandated, combining sprinklers with thermal storage systems can yield an attractive payoff. Discusses the economic considerations. Describes an example application involving a 600 000 ft2 office building in Los Angeles. Illustrates schematically an office building with integrated fire protection/thermal storage systems. The chilled water system, thermal off-peak cooling and the fire sprinklers are incorporated into one integrated plant, with the fire sprinklers connected to the existing chilled water riser piping.KEYWORDS: Fire protection, USA, offices, energy storage, cisterns, sprinklers, economics, payback period, cooling, chilled water supply.