Fire Sprinkler Saves: March 2025 - Part 1
- Tim Spears
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
You may already know that some of the most effective tools in fire protection don’t always get a lot of attention until they’re needed. Fire sprinkler systems fall into that category. Quietly installed in buildings and tucked behind walls, they sit idle for years, sometimes decades. But when a fire breaks out, they activate quickly and get to work, often before the first fire engine even leaves the station.
We believe it’s important to shine a light on the real-world success stories and those moments when sprinklers did exactly what they were designed to do: protect people, preserve property, and buy time. This blog continues our ongoing series highlighting incidents where fire sprinkler systems made all the difference.
How Fire Sprinkler Systems Actually Work
There’s still a surprising amount of misunderstanding about how these systems operate. Sprinklers are activated by heat. Each sprinkler head contains a heat-sensitive element that reacts when temperatures hit around 155–165°F (68–74°C), which can vary based on the type of sprinkler head. When that happens, just that one sprinkler head activates, only the ones near the fire discharge water. It’s not a Hollywood scene where the entire building starts raining. That precise, localized response is what makes them so effective while minimizing unnecessary damage.
Why These Systems Matter
Let’s talk numbers. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the presence of sprinkler systems cuts the risk of dying in a fire by a staggering 90% (2024).
When it comes to property damage, the impact depends on the occupancy type. In homes, fires with sprinklers saw 55% less property damage on average compared to fires without them. The savings are even greater in some commercial settings: for example, store and office properties saw a 69% reduction, while public assembly occupancies saw a 66% reduction in average losses per fire (NFPA, 2024).
And that’s why stories like the ones below are worth telling. They remind us why it’s critical to advocate for proper system installation and maintenance in every type of occupancy, from high-rise apartments to restaurants and warehouses.
Early March 2025 Sprinkler Saves:
Candle Leads to Clothing Fire in Grand Forks
Location:Â Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
Summary:
On March 14, 2025, the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to a general fire alarm at a residential apartment located at 851 University Avenue. Upon arrival, crews discovered that the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system had activated in response to a candle igniting nearby clothing. The fire was fully extinguished by the sprinkler system prior to firefighter intervention, effectively preventing the spread of fire and minimizing property damage. No injuries were reported, and the damage to the apartment was minimal. The presence of the sprinkler system was credited with averting a potentially larger fire event.
Link to original article:Â Valley News Live
Cooking Fire Displaces Four Residents in Rochester
Location:Â Rochester, New Hampshire, USA
Summary:
On the evening of March 11, 2025, a cooking fire in a four-story mixed-occupancy building on North Main Street activated the building’s fire sprinkler system. The system successfully extinguished the fire before fire crews arrived. Despite the quick fire suppression, water and electrical damage led to the displacement of four residents and impacted one commercial space. The fire alarm system functioned correctly, although it remains offline due to power concerns, necessitating a fire watch. Rochester Fire Department emphasized that the sprinkler system performed as designed, limiting the fire’s spread and potential damage.
Link to original article: NewsBreak – New England Pulse
Sprinkler System Saves Truist Stadium in Winston-Salem Amid Early Morning Fire
Location:Â Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Summary:
In the early morning of March 13, 2025, a fire alarm at Truist Stadium prompted a response from the Winston-Salem Fire Department. Firefighters arrived around 5:15 a.m. to find smoke coming from an elevator shaft and a fire contained in the kitchen area. The stadium’s fire sprinkler system had already activated, effectively controlling the fire before crews entered. Damage was reported as minimal, and no injuries occurred. The fire did not affect public-facing areas of the stadium. The cause remains under investigation.
Link to original article:Â WFMY News 2
Fire at Newark-Area Pub Under Investigation
Location:Â Newark, Delaware, USA
Summary:
Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on March 9, 2025, a fire occurred at McGlynns Pub, located in the Peoples Plaza shopping area. Fire crews from the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company arrived to find that the fire, which originated in a bathroom trash can, had been contained by the building’s fire sprinkler system. The fire was subsequently extinguished by firefighters. The building was occupied at the time of the incident, but no injuries were reported. Damage was limited to approximately $1,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Link to original article:Â First State Update
Fire at Scott Oaks Plaza Controlled by Sprinklers
Location:Â Scott, Louisiana, USA
Summary:
On March 11, 2025, a fire at Acadiana Jiu Jitsu, located within the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center in Scott Oaks Plaza, was quickly extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. The fire originated in a restroom due to a malfunctioning sauna heating element. The Scott Fire Department responded quickly to shut off the water and assess the scene. Officials highlighted that the sprinkler system effectively suppressed the fire before it could spread, demonstrating the system’s important role in property protection.
Link to original article:Â KATC
Fire Breaks Out at Greater Cincinnati Amazon Fulfillment Center
Location:Â Monroe, Ohio, USA
Summary:
Firefighters responded to a fire at the Amazon fulfillment center on Gateway Boulevard in Monroe, Ohio, just before midnight on March 9, 2025. The facility’s sprinkler system activated and kept the fire contained until crews arrived and extinguished it. The fire originated within the pallet racking storage system. No injuries were reported, and the extent of the damage has not been disclosed. The incident underscores the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in large-scale industrial occupancies.
Link to original article:Â Local 12 WKRC
Firefighters Put Out Small Fire at Florida Department of Transportation Building in Gainesville
Location:Â Gainesville, Florida, USA
Summary:
A small fire broke out in the storage room of the Florida Department of Transportation building in Gainesville on March 10, 2025. Alachua County Fire Rescue reported that the building’s sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of fire crews. Gainesville Fire Rescue assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported, and the State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
Link to original article:Â WCJB
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Closes After Fire
Location:Â Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Summary:
On March 13, 2025, an electrical fire broke out at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. The fire, reported at 12:11 p.m., was quickly contained by the activation of the building’s sprinkler system. Staff and visitors evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The sprinkler system was credited with minimizing fire damage, though cleanup was required due to water discharge. Restoration efforts began immediately, and the museum temporarily closed for repairs.
Link to original article:Â MLive
Hamilton Fire Displaces Supportive Housing Residents
Location:Â Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Summary:
A fire broke out on the fourth floor of Good Shepherd Mathias Place, a supportive housing complex in Hamilton, on March 11, 2025. Firefighters responded quickly and found a fire in unit 405. The building’s sprinkler system activated and helped contain the blaze to the unit of origin. Although the fire was quickly controlled, significant water damage from the sprinklers impacted multiple floors. The entire building lost power, and residents were temporarily displaced. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article:Â CTV News
Fire on Eighth Floor of Knoxville Apartment Controlled by Sprinkler System
Location:Â Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Summary:
On March 1, 2025, Knoxville Fire Department responded to a fire alarm and call regarding a fire on the eighth floor of an apartment building at 201 Locust Street. Crews arrived within three minutes and observed visible fire on the upper floor. The building’s fire sprinkler system had already activated, delivering water to the area before firefighters extinguished the remaining flames. The fire caused moderate fire damage to the affected unit and heavy water damage to lower floors. Approximately 16 apartments were affected, and the American Red Cross assisted displaced residents.
Link to original article:Â WBIR
Kitchen Fire Prevents Sudbury Restaurant from Opening
Location:Â Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA
Summary:
A kitchen fire occurred at Lotus Blossom, a Chinese and Japanese restaurant in Sudbury, in the early hours of March 5, 2025. The building’s sprinkler system activated and successfully contained the fire until firefighters arrived. The fire was extinguished quickly and no injuries were reported. The fire suppression system played a important role in limiting the fire’s spread. Cleanup and repairs are underway, and reopening is pending inspection by the town’s Building Department.
Link to original article:Â MetroWest Daily News
Historic Moncton Building Saved by Sprinkler System
Location:Â Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Summary:
On March 2, 2025, a fire broke out on the third floor of the historic McSweeney Building in downtown Moncton. The building houses multiple businesses including a dinner theater and restaurants. A sprinkler head was activated, helping to contain the fire until fire crews fully extinguished it. Water damage was reported on all three floors. There were no injuries. The building was evacuated following a fire alarm activation, and firefighters emphasized the importance of prompt evacuation when alarms sound.
Link to original article:Â CTV News Atlantic
Fire at Moncton Bakery Contained by Sprinkler Activation
Location:Â Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Summary:
A fire broke out at Fancy Pokket Bakery in Moncton on March 3, 2025, in the assembly area where pita bread was being made. The building’s sprinkler system activated, melting over 20 heads and discharging a significant amount of water. The system helped suppress the flames, but the bakery experienced extensive water and smoke damage. All employees evacuated safely. The fire remains under investigation.
Link to original article:Â CTV News Atlantic
Christiansburg Nursing Home Fire Triggered Sprinkler System
Location:Â Christiansburg, Virginia, USA
Summary:
On March 9, 2025, a fire broke out at Spring Oak Senior Living in Christiansburg, beginning outside the structure and spreading into the attic. The building’s fire sprinkler system activated in response, contributing to the control of the fire. While there were no reported injuries, all residents were transported to another facility due to damage and safety concerns. Multiple regional emergency services responded to the incident.
Link to original article:Â WDBJ7
No One Hurt in West Dundee Apartment Fire
Location:Â West Dundee, Illinois, USA
Summary:
On the morning of March 11, 2025, a fire occurred at an 18-unit apartment building on Canterfield Parkway West in West Dundee. Firefighters found flames coming from the roof of one unit upon arrival. While one apartment sustained heavy fire damage and another was moderately damaged, the building's fire sprinkler system was credited with significantly limiting the spread of the fire. The response included mutual aid from over a dozen surrounding departments. All residents were safely evacuated, and the American Red Cross assisted those displaced.
Link to original article:Â Daily Herald
Overnight Fire at Tennessee High School Contained by Sprinklers
Location:Â Troy, Tennessee, USA
Summary:
In the early hours of March 1, 2025, a fire at Obion County Central High School was contained to a single classroom, thanks in part to the building’s automatic sprinkler system. The fire, believed to have been caused by an overheated appliance, was discovered after a smoke alarm triggered a 911 call. Responding firefighters found heavy smoke and extinguished the flames, with minimal fire damage reported. The sprinkler system activated and limited the fire’s spread, though some water damage occurred. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article:Â radio NWTN
Sprinkler System Activates During Bathroom Fire at West Haven Elementary
Location:Â West Haven, Utah, USA
Summary:
A fire broke out in a student bathroom at West Haven Elementary School on the morning of March 4, 2025. The school’s fire sprinkler system activated in response, containing the fire to the bathroom but causing additional water damage throughout the facility. Students were safely evacuated and released to parents at a secure location. Surveillance footage identified a student as a person of interest in the incident, which remains under investigation.
Link to original article:Â FOX 13 News
Sprinklers Contain Fire at Uncle Harry’s in North Fresno
Location:Â Fresno, California, USA
Summary:
A fire broke out at Uncle Harry’s New York Bagelry in north Fresno around 6 a.m. on March 14, 2025. Firefighters responded quickly and found a fire inside the ovens and attic area. The restaurant’s sprinkler system activated and contained the fire, limiting its spread and damage. All occupants evacuated safely, and there were no injuries. The adjacent jujitsu gym experienced water damage. The business was able to reopen quickly thanks to minimal structural damage.
Link to original article:Â KMPH FOX26
These real-world accounts show that fire sprinkler systems work. From warehouses and restaurants to apartment buildings and schools, the stories above reflect how sprinkler technology saves lives, protects responders, and minimizes disruption. Fire sprinklers are not just code requirements—they are life-saving, risk-reducing, cost-saving systems.
References:
McGree, T. (2024). National Fire Protection Association. U.S. Experience with Sprinklers. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Suppression/US-experience-with-sprinklers
Cochrane, A. (2025, March 3). Two downtown fires under investigation: MFD. Yahoo! News. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/two-downtown-fires-under-investigation-163718295.html
Reed, W. (2025, April 2). UPDATE: Grand Rapids Children's Museum reopening soon. Mix 95.7. https://mix957gr.com/grand-rapids-childrens-museum-fire/
Tellez, M. (2025, March 14). Uncle Harry's in north Fresno quickly reopens after fire. KMPH FOX26. https://kmph.com/news/local/fire-at-uncle-harrys-in-north-fresno-new-york-bagelry-morning-commute-breakfast-food-closed-open-employees
Martin, M. (2025, March 4). Student is 'person of interest' in West Haven school bathroom fire. FOX 13 News. https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/northern-utah/bathroom-fire-causes-damage-at-west-haven-school
McFarlin, S. (2025, March 1). Overnight fire at OCCHS contained to one classroom. radio NWTN. https://radionwtn.com/2025/03/01/overnight-fire-at-occhs-contained-to-one-classroom
West, R. (2025, March 11). No one hurt in West Dundee apartment fire. Daily Herald. https://www.dailyherald.com/20250311/news/no-one-hurt-in-west-dundee-apartment-fire
Johnson, L. (2025, March 11). No injuries reported in Christiansburg nursing home fire. WDBJ7. https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/03/11/no-injuries-reported-christiansburg-nursing-home-fire/
Mott, S., & Haggett, D. (2025, March 4). No injuries in Moncton bakery fire. CTV News Atlantic. https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brunswick/article/no-injuries-in-moncton-bakery-fire/
Haggett, D. (2025, March 2). Historic Moncton building damaged in early morning fire. CTV News Atlantic. https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brunswick/article/historic-moncton-building-damaged-in-early-morning-fire/
Miller, N. (2025, March 5). Kitchen fire prevents Sudbury Chinese-Japanese restaurant from opening. MetroWest Daily News. https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/fire/2025/03/05/kitchen-fire-prevents-sudbury-ma-chinese-japanese-restaurant-from-opening/81621486007/
WBIR Staff. (2025, March 1). KFD crews respond to fire on eighth floor of apartment. WBIR. https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/kfd-fire-on-eighth-floor-of-apartment-on-locust-street/51-bcc9234b-dd60-41cf-9410-f588a225f8b6
Arsenych, A. (2025, March 11). Hamilton fire displaces supportive housing residents. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/hamilton/article/residents-at-hamilton-supportive-housing-building-will-not-be-able-to-return-home-after-fire-fire-chief
Agar, J. (2025, March 13). Grand Rapids Children’s Museum closes after fire. MLive. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/03/grand-rapids-childrens-museum-closes-after-fire.html
WCJB Staff. (2025, March 10). Firefighters put out small fire at Florida Department of Transportation building in Gainesville. WCJB. https://www.wcjb.com/2025/03/10/firefighters-put-out-small-fire-florida-department-transportation-building-gainesville/
WKRC Staff. (2025, March 10). Fire breaks out at Greater Cincinnati Amazon fulfillment center. Local 12 WKRC. https://local12.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-greater-cincinnati-amazon-fulfillment-center-monroe-gateway-boulevard-sprinkler-systempallet-racking-storage-system-firefighters-cause
Scripps Media. (2025, March 10). Fire at Scott Oaks Plaza extinguished by sprinkler system. KATC. https://www.katc.com/lafayette-parish/fire-at-scott-oaks-plaza-extinguished-by-sprinkler-system
Staff Writer. (2025, March 11). Fire at Newark-area pub under investigation. First State Update. https://firststateupdate.com/2025/03/fire-at-newark-area-pub-under-investigation/
Shirley, G. (2025, March 13). Sprinkler system saves Truist Stadium in Winston-Salem amid early morning fire. WFMY News 2. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/fire-truist-stadium-winston-salem/83-c114bf4a-edd5-4e1f-bd3f-87ee6d656740
New England Pulse. (2025, March 11). Cooking fire displaces four residents in Rochester. NewsBreak. https://www.newsbreak.com/new-england-pulse-1726362/3852868157944-cooking-fire-displaces-four-residents-in-rochester
Zatz, S. (2025, March 14). Candle leads to clothing fire in Grand Forks. Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/03/14/candle-leads-clothing-fire-grand-forks/