Fire Sprinkler Saves: October 2024 Edition Volume I

Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective tools for mitigating fire-related risks, reducing property damage, and saving lives. In this post, we'll explore a series of real-world examples where fire sprinkler systems played a important role in preventing major damage and keeping communities safe. These stories show how fire sprinklers can make a difference, demonstrating the importance of fire safety features in residential, commercial, and public buildings.

How Fire Sprinkler Systems Work

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to activate when a fire is detected, typically using a heat-sensitive mechanism that releases water when temperatures rise beyond a set point. Unlike what is often portrayed in movies, sprinkler systems activate only in the areas where they detect high heat, ensuring targeted suppression that minimizes water damage while effectively combating the fire.

The Effectiveness of Fire Sprinkler Systems

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire sprinkler systems reduce fire-related fatalities by about 87% and property damage by 70%. These statistics underscore the value of these systems in mitigating the impact of fires. The following examples from recent incidents further highlight the life-saving and property-protecting capabilities of fire sprinklers.

Recent Sprinkler Saves

At least 200 displaced by high-rise fire in North Philly

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA

Summary: A kitchen fire in a high-rise apartment building in North Philadelphia led to the activation of the building's sprinkler system, which effectively contained the fire. Water damage threatened the electrical system, prompting the evacuation of 200 to 300 people from The Poplar, a historic building recently converted into apartments. No injuries were reported, and multiple agencies assisted the displaced residents.

Link to original article: MSN News

Electric bike fire sets off sprinklers in Fort Wayne apartment building

Location: Fort Wayne, IN, USA

Summary: A fire caused by an electric bike battery in a third-floor closet activated the sprinkler system in a five-story apartment building on Westbrook Drive. The sprinkler effectively contained the fire to the closet, preventing injuries and minimizing damage to the rest of the building.

Link to original article: 21 Alive News

Electrical fire breaks out at Hackensack University Medical Center

Location: Hackensack, NJ, USA

Summary: An electrical fire in the supply room at Hackensack University Medical Center was quickly contained by the sprinkler system. Damage was limited to the supply room, and no injuries or evacuations were reported.

Link to original article: Bronx News 12

Fire at Gay 90s in downtown Minneapolis under investigation

Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

Summary: A fire broke out in the game room of Gay 90s, a bar in downtown Minneapolis. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to a pool table before firefighters arrived. No injuries or structural damage occurred.

Link to original article: CBS Minnesota

Fire crews respond to electrical fire at Moorhead Menards

Location: Moorhead, MN, USA

Summary: An electrical fire started in the electrical department at Menards in Moorhead. The sprinkler system activated, containing the fire before firefighters arrived, limiting damage to displays and merchandise.

Link to original article: Valley News Live

Fire does $50K damage to Glacier Way residence

Location: Manchester, NH, USA

Summary: A residential sprinkler system contained a fire in the kitchen of a Glacier Way residence, limiting damage to the first floor. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Link to original article: Manchester Ink Link

Fires at Movie Theater, Elderly Care Home Keep Firefighters Busy

Location: Petaluma, CA, USA

Summary: Two fires occurred in Petaluma—one at a senior care facility and another at Boulevard 14 Cinema. In both instances, the sprinkler systems activated, containing the fires and minimizing damage. No injuries were reported.

Link to original article: Petaluma Patch

No one hurt after Quail Springs Apartment fire in West Richland

Location: West Richland, WA, USA

Summary: A fire in an apartment building activated the fire alarms and sprinkler system, containing the fire to the bedroom where it started. No injuries occurred, but residents were displaced due to smoke and water damage.

Link to original article: Apple Valley News Now

Oakdale-Riverbank Fire Calls 10-9-24

Location: Riverbank, CA, USA

Summary: A fire at a property on Patterson Road was extinguished by the sprinkler system before firefighters arrived, effectively preventing significant damage.

Link to original article: Riverbank News

Power plant fire breaks out in Muscatine

Location: Muscatine, IA, USA

Summary: A fire broke out in the coal yard at the Muscatine Power & Water Generating Plant. The facility's sprinkler system activated, limiting the damage. Firefighters monitored for hot spots, and no equipment repairs were needed.

Link to original article: WQAD News

Sprinklers Aid in Knockdown of Structure Fire in Downtown LA

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Summary: A fire broke out at a one-story commercial building in downtown Los Angeles. The sprinkler system activated, keeping the fire in check until firefighters arrived and extinguished it within 30 minutes.

Link to original article: MyNewsLA

St. Cloud Fire Department Contains Apartment Fire Wednesday

Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA

Summary: A fire in an apartment complex was contained by the sprinkler system, limiting the damage to the unit of origin. No injuries were reported.

Link to original article: KRFO

Swampscott Woman Charged With Arson In Loring Avenue Condo Fire

Location: Swampscott, MA, USA

Summary: A fire set in a storage unit of a condominium building was contained by the sprinkler and fire alarm systems. No injuries were reported, and the sprinkler system was credited with preventing a major disaster.

Link to original article: Swampscott Patch

Conclusion

These real-life incidents provide a clear picture of how important fire sprinkler systems are in mitigating fire damage and preventing injuries. By containing fires before they spread, these systems reduce response times, minimize property damage, and ultimately save lives. Fire sprinklers are a key element of community risk reduction, and their importance cannot be overstated in safeguarding lives and property.

References

Bronx News 12. (2024, October 3). Electrical fire breaks out at Hackensack University Medical Center. https://bronx.news12.com/electrical-fire-breaks-out-at-hackensack-university-medical-center

CBS Minnesota. (2024, October 6). Fire at Gay 90s in downtown Minneapolis under investigation. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/gay-90s-fire-downtown-minneapolis/

Manchester Ink Link. (2024, October 8). Fire does $50K damage to Glacier Way residence. https://manchester.inklink.news/fire-does-50k-damage-to-glacier-way-residence/

MSN News. (2024, October 5). At least 200 displaced by high-rise fire in North Philly. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/at-least-200-displaced-by-high-rise-fire-in-north-philly/ar-AA1rFyCr?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds

MyNewsLA. (2024, October 6). Sprinklers aid in knockdown of structure fire in Downtown LA. https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/10/06/sprinklers-aid-in-knockdown-of-structure-fire-in-downtown-la/

Petaluma Patch. (2024, October 9). Fires at movie theater, elderly care home keep firefighters busy. https://patch.com/california/petaluma/fires-movie-theater-elderly-care-home-keep-firefighters-busy

Riverbank News. (2024, October 10). Oakdale-Riverbank Fire Calls 10-9-24. https://www.theriverbanknews.com/news/oakdale-riverbank-fire-calls-10-9-24/

Swampscott Patch. (2024, October 10). Swampscott woman charged with arson in Loring Avenue condo fire. https://patch.com/massachusetts/swampscott/swampscott-woman-charged-arson-loring-avenue-condo-fire

Valley News Live. (2024, October 9). Fire crews respond to electrical fire at Moorhead Menards. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2024/10/09/fire-crews-respond-fire-moorhead-menards/

KRFO. (2024, October 3). St. Cloud Fire Department contains apartment fire Wednesday. https://krforadio.com/ixp/67/p/st-cloud-fire-department-contains-apartment-fire-wednesday/

WQAD News. (2024, October 5). Power plant fire breaks out in Muscatine. https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/muscatine-fire-power-water-plant/526-cf8ea19c-d974-4d68-b512-41a29781a501

21 Alive News. (2024, October 7). Electric bike fire sets off sprinklers in Fort Wayne apartment building. https://www.21alivenews.com/2024/10/07/electric-bike-fire-sets-off-sprinklers-fort-wayne-apartment-building/

Apple Valley News Now. (2024, October 8). No one hurt after Quail Springs Apartment fire in West Richland. https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/news/no-one-hurt-after-quail-springs-apartment-fire-in-west-richland/article_89c634ee-875a-11ef-a038-db81c0637178.html