Fire sprinkler systems consistently work behind the scenes to protect lives and property. They serve as a critical component in community risk reduction, offering the first line of defense against the devastating impacts of fire. In this post, we highlight some recent success stories where sprinkler systems effectively saved lives and mitigated damage, emphasizing their importance in our collective mission of fire safety.
How Fire Sprinkler Systems Work
Fire sprinkler systems are designed to activate automatically when a fire is detected. Typically, heat-sensitive elements in the sprinkler heads release water when temperatures reach a certain threshold, effectively controlling or extinguishing fires before they can spread. This immediate response is key in preventing fires from escalating, often before firefighters even arrive on the scene. With a water distribution mechanism designed to minimize damage, these systems serve as one of the most reliable fire protection solutions in various occupancy types.
The Effectiveness of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Studies show that fire sprinkler systems can control or extinguish fires in 96% of incidents where they are installed and properly maintained (National Fire Protection Association, NFPA). Their reliability is evidenced by a reduction in civilian death rates by 87% and in property loss by 70% in buildings equipped with these systems. Below, we share a series of success stories showcasing the effectiveness of sprinklers in different types of buildings.
Sprinkler Saves: Recent Success Stories
Apartment Fire in Bellevue Displaces at Least 15 Units
Location: Bellevue, Washington, USA
Summary: A fire occurred in an apartment complex on Northeast 10th Street and 106th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue. The fire department responded at around 1:30 p.m. to find the apartment filled with smoke. The fire sprinkler system successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread, significantly minimizing damage. Although there were no injuries, 15 to 20 units were displaced due to water damage from the sprinkler system's activation. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the displaced residents. The building's fire sprinkler system was praised for preventing what could have been a more severe incident.
Link to Original Article: king5.com article
Apartment Fire Reported Early Tuesday in Romeoville
Location: Romeoville, Illinois, USA
Summary: A fire broke out on the balcony of a second-floor apartment unit in the 1300 block of Mews Lane. The fire department responded at 12:13 a.m. The apartment's sprinkler system activated, keeping the fire contained until firefighters arrived to fully extinguish it. The fire caused damage to the building's exterior and minor damage to the interior of the affected unit. All occupants were at home during the incident but escaped without injuries. The fire was determined to be accidental, and an investigation is ongoing.
Link to Original Article: Romeoville Patch article
Chesterfield Fire Causes Apartment Building Evacuation, Displacement
Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia, USA
Summary: A stove fire occurred in a first-floor apartment on Karl Linn Drive. Firefighters arrived within five minutes of receiving the call at 7:54 p.m. The building's automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire before it could spread beyond the apartment. No injuries were reported, although the resident of the affected unit was displaced. Other residents, evacuated as a precaution, were able to return to their homes. This was the second stove fire in the same building in two months.
Link to Original Article: WRIC ABC 8News article
Fire Leaves Amherst Apartment Uninhabitable
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
Summary: A fire at an apartment complex on Longmeadow Drive left a unit uninhabitable due to extensive damage. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames contained within a bedroom closet, with the sprinkler system preventing further spread. The fire caused smoke and water damage to other parts of the building, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical malfunction. Occupants of the affected apartment were relocated, while other tenants returned to their homes after the building was ventilated.
Link to Original Article: Daily Hampshire Gazette article
Downtown Building Fire Reported on North Wrenn Street
Location: High Point, North Carolina, USA
Summary: An early morning fire on North Wrenn Street in downtown High Point was controlled by the building’s sprinkler system, which activated to contain the flames as firefighters responded. The fire, originating outside the building and spreading inside, caused no injuries. The cause remains under investigation. The sprinkler system effectively limited fire damage and prevented escalation.
Link to Original Article: WXII12 article
Eugene Springfield Fire and Police Investigate Suspicious Fire at The Rink Exchange
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Summary: A suspicious fire at The Rink Exchange on 13th Avenue involved a suspect breaking into the building, stealing items, and igniting a fire near the front counter. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to the counter area, sparing the rest of the facility. Significant damage occurred in the Pro-Shop area, but there were no injuries. The suspect was apprehended, and the incident is under investigation.
Link to Original Article: KVAL News article
Fire Contained at Northeast Lincoln Rubber Manufacturer
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a piece of machinery at Continental ContiTech, a rubber manufacturing facility in Lincoln. The sprinkler system activated and successfully contained the fire within its room, preventing it from spreading further. Emergency crews responded at approximately 2:10 p.m. and are investigating the involvement of solvents and the extent of damage. No injuries were reported, and the building was temporarily evacuated.
Link to Original Article: 1011NOW article
Fire Reported at Tupelo Goodyear Plant
Location: Tupelo, Mississippi, USA
Summary: A fire occurred in the receiving/mixing department of the Goodyear plant in Tupelo, specifically in a second-floor mixer. The sprinkler system activated and extinguished most of the fire before firefighters arrived to complete the response. The fire was contained to the affected area, thanks to the quick actions of plant employees and firefighters. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Link to Original Article: WTVA article
Firefighters Contain Commercial Blaze in Stuart
Location: Stuart, Florida, USA
Summary: A fire alarm at Paradigm Precision on SE Commerce Avenue alerted Martin County Fire Rescue to a small fire near a table in the facility. The building's sprinkler system activated and contained the fire, preventing significant damage. Crews extinguished the remaining flames and cleared the building of smoke. The State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident, and no injuries were reported. The fire alarms and sprinkler system were instrumental in limiting the impact of the fire.
Link to Original Article: MyFloridaNews article
Smoky Garage Garbage Fire Clears Capitol Hill’s Harvard Market
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Summary: A rubbish fire in the parking garage of Capitol Hill’s Harvard Market was controlled by the building’s fire sprinklers before Seattle Fire Department crews arrived to extinguish it completely. Businesses in the shopping center were evacuated temporarily, but there were no injuries. The incident filled Broadway with emergency vehicles, and an investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Link to Original Article: CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News article
State Fire Marshal Investigating Structure Fire in Martin County
Location: Martin County, Florida, USA
Summary: A structure fire at a business in Martin County was quickly contained by the building's sprinkler system, which prevented the flames from spreading. Martin County Fire Rescue crews responded after detecting light smoke and discovered the fire near a table inside the building. Both the fire alarm and sprinkler system were critical in minimizing damage. The State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident, and no injuries were reported.
Link to Original Article: WPBF News article
Suppression Systems Stop Fires at Madison-Kipp Corp., YWCA
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Summary: Two fires were successfully extinguished by fire suppression systems in Madison. At Madison-Kipp Corp., a fire in the dust collector system was contained by an internal suppression system until firefighters arrived. At the YWCA, a cooking fire in a 10th-floor kitchen was extinguished by a single sprinkler, preventing damage to the building and injuries to residents. Both incidents underscore the effectiveness of suppression systems in mitigating fire damage.
Link to Original Article: Wisconsin State Journal article
Two Casualties Suffered from Smoke Inhalation Following a Flat Fire in Doncaster
Location: Doncaster, England, UK
Summary: A fire broke out in a flat on Grove Place, Balby, at 9:30 p.m. The sprinkler system extinguished the fire before fire crews from Doncaster and nearby stations arrived. Two individuals suffered mild smoke inhalation but no severe injuries were reported. Fire crews left the scene at 10:35 p.m. The fire was determined to be accidental.
Link to Original Article: Doncaster Free Press article
West St. Cloud Business Uninhabitable After Sunday Morning Fire
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
Summary: A fire at the New York Gyro restaurant in a St. Cloud strip mall occurred around 7:15 a.m. The building’s sprinkler system activated, helping firefighters control the fire and search for occupants. While New York Gyro was deemed uninhabitable, other businesses in the strip mall resumed operations. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Link to Original Article: KNSI Radio article
The Value of Fire Sprinkler Systems
These success stories illustrate just how vital fire sprinkler systems are in reducing the impacts of fire. When fires occur, sprinklers often respond faster than any emergency crew can, suppressing flames and reducing smoke production, which ultimately saves lives and property. They provide an invaluable line of defense, protecting both people and the structures they inhabit.
The numbers speak for themselves: fire sprinkler systems reduce property damage and loss by over 70%, with an overwhelming percentage of successful activations effectively controlling fires. Their role in community risk reduction is unmatched.
Fire sprinkler systems are more than just a safety feature; they are a important part of our community’s resilience to fire hazards. As these stories demonstrate, sprinklers save lives, prevent injuries, and significantly limit property damage. In our ongoing mission to enhance safety through community risk reduction, promoting the installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems remains an essential focus for building and fire safety professionals.
Have a story of a fire sprinkler save you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments and help us continue the conversation about the importance of proactive fire safety measures.
References
Sullivan, O. (2024, November 16). Apartment fire in Bellevue displaces at least 15 units. KING5. Retrieved from https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/apartment-fire-bellevue-displaces-several-units/281-b68ef697-d9aa-463b-afda-29e9d670b42f
Earnest, A. (2024, November 19). Apartment fire reported early Tuesday in Romeoville: Fire District. Romeoville Patch. Retrieved from https://patch.com/illinois/romeoville/apartment-fire-reported-early-tuesday-romeoville-fire-district
Broberg, J. (2024, November 17). Chesterfield fire causes apartment building evacuation, displacement. WRIC ABC 8News. Retrieved from https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/chesterfield-fire-causes-apartment-building-evacuation-displacement/
Staff Report. (2024, November 22). Fire leaves Amherst apartment uninhabitable. Daily Hampshire Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.gazettenet.com/Amherst-apartment-damaged-in-Thursday-fire-58107268
Smith, R. (2024, November 30). Downtown building fire reported on North Wrenn Street, High Point fire investigating. WXII 12. Retrieved from https://www.wxii12.com/article/high-point-crews-investigating-building-fire-north-wrenn-street/63057232
News Staff. (2024, November 28). Eugene Springfield Fire and Eugene Police investigate suspicious fire at The Rink Exchange. KVAL. Retrieved from https://kval.com/news/local/eugene-springfield-fire-and-eugene-police-investigate-suspicious-fire-at-the-rink-exchange
10/11 NOW. (2024, November 21). Fire contained at northeast Lincoln rubber manufacturer. 10/11 NOW. Retrieved from https://www.1011now.com/2024/11/21/fire-contained-northeast-lincoln-rubber-manufacturer
Ford, C. (2024, November 15). Fire reported at Tupelo Goodyear plant. WTVA. Retrieved from https://www.wtva.com/news/fire-reported-at-tupelo-goodyear-plant/article_e6c82a7a-a3c6-11ef-aa2d-6f5028156a82.html
Daugherty, T. (2024, November 22). Firefighters contain commercial blaze in Stuart. MyFloridaNews.com. Retrieved from https://www.newsbreak.com/myfloridanews-com-1803847/3678467178453-firefighters-contain-commercial-blaze-in-stuart
jseattle. (2024, November 25). Smoky garage garbage fire clears Capitol Hill’s Harvard Market. CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News. Retrieved from https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2024/11/smoky-garage-garbage-fire-clears-capitol-hills-harvard-market
Lopez, V. (2024, November 17). State Fire Marshal investigating structure fire in Martin County. WPBF. Retrieved from https://www.wpbf.com/article/state-fire-marshal-investigating-a-martin-county-structure-fire/62930402
Richgels, J. (2024, November 21). Suppression systems stop fires at Madison-Kipp Corp., YWCA. Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved from https://madison.com/news/local/madison-fire-department-kipp-ywca-sprinkler-suppression-system/article_b0c7353c-a827-11ef-951a-87e1d7673872.html
Doncaster Free Press. (2024, November 27). Two casualties suffered from smoke inhalation following a flat fire in Doncaster. Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved from https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/two-casualties-suffered-from-smoke-inhalation-following-a-flat-fire-in-doncaster-4885682
Dossetto, G. (2024, November 18). West St. Cloud business uninhabitable after Sunday morning fire. KNSI. Retrieved from https://knsiradio.com/2024/11/18/west-st-cloud-business-uninhabitable-after-sunday-morning-fire