Fire sprinkler systems are among the most effective tools in modern fire prevention and safety. Designed to activate when a fire reaches a critical temperature, they suppress flames before they spread, significantly reducing property damage, injury, and loss of life. While fire departments play a crucial role in firefighting, sprinklers act as the first line of defense, ensuring fires are contained until help arrives.
The following case studies highlight real-world instances where fire sprinkler systems prevented significant disasters, reinforcing their importance in multifamily residential properties, businesses, and institutions.
Recent Fire Sprinkler Saves
Kelowna Fire Injures One, Displaces Others
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Summary: A fire broke out in a multi-unit building on Kneller Road around 10 a.m. Fire alarms were sounding upon firefighters’ arrival, and occupants had evacuated. The fire was contained to a single unit, and the sprinkler system activated, extinguishing the flames before crews arrived. However, water damage affected multiple units. One person was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. Emergency Support Services assisted displaced residents. No injuries were reported among fire personnel.
Link to original article: Castanet Kamloops
Fire Prompts Evacuation of Montclair Restaurant Wednesday
Location: Montclair, New Jersey, USA
Summary: A fire erupted in the ductwork of Fauborg restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find that the sprinkler system had largely extinguished the fire before their arrival. The restaurant’s 40 employees and customers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. Fire crews conducted overhaul operations to ensure no hidden fire remained. The building owner praised the sprinkler system's effectiveness in containing the fire and preventing extensive damage. The restaurant remains closed for repairs.
Link to original article: Montclair Local
Firefighters Respond to Early-Morning Apartment Fire Near Downtown Eugene
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in the West Town on 8th apartment building early in the morning. Fire crews arrived to find moderate smoke in the stairwell. The building's smoke alarms and sprinkler system activated, alerting the lone occupant and controlling the fire before firefighters arrived. Firefighters fully extinguished the fire and worked to mitigate smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: KEZI News
Belfast Apartment Fire Displaces Residents
Location: Belfast, Maine, USA
Summary: A fire at the 24-unit Penobscot Landing apartment complex activated the building’s sprinkler system, which successfully contained the flames. However, significant water damage and flooding displaced residents. No injuries were reported. Some tenants have been temporarily relocated while the building undergoes repairs. The city council is considering contributing funds to support displaced residents.
Link to original article: Bangor Daily News
Powell River Fire Rescue Responds to Supportive Housing Fire
Location: Powell River, British Columbia, Canada
Summary: A fire broke out in a unit at Lift Community Services’ supportive housing complex on Joyce Avenue, prompting the activation of the sprinkler system. The fire resulted in flooding on the second floor, displacing eight residents. The entire building was evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. Fire crews arrived within four minutes of the call and quickly brought the fire under control. Emergency Social Services was activated to assist displaced residents. An investigation confirmed the fire was accidental.
Link to original article: Powell River Peak
Two Businesses in Laurel Glen Shopping Center Suffer Damage After Early Morning Fire
Location: California, Maryland, USA
Summary: A fire in the World #1 Nails Spa at the Laurel Glen Shopping Center was successfully contained by the building’s sprinkler system. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke and found the sprinklers had extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent businesses. However, excessive flooding occurred as the sprinkler system remained active for several hours. World #1 Nails Spa and Doyle’s Flooring & Furniture suffered smoke and water damage. The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Link to original article: Southern Maryland News Net
Early Morning Fire in Urbana High-Rise Contained by Sprinkler System; No Injuries Reported
Location: Urbana, Illinois, USA
Summary: Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at a six-story high-rise, where heavy smoke was coming from the fifth floor. The fire originated in a trash container on the first floor and spread up the trash chute to the second floor, where the sprinkler system activated and contained the fire. Approximately 55 residents evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.
Link to original article: Fox Illinois
Worker Burned in Windsor Chemical Fire on Great Pond Drive
Location: Windsor, Connecticut, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at the Scapa Tapes North America manufacturing plant after a worker cleaning machinery accidentally ignited a rag containing methyl ethyl ketone. The building’s sprinkler system quickly contained the fire, preventing structural damage and any hazardous material release. Air quality was monitored throughout the night and returned to safe levels. The worker suffered minor burns but declined treatment. The fire department cleared the scene within a few hours.
Link to original article: Darien Times
Multiple Levels of East Rutherford High-Rise Damaged by Water After 2nd Alarm Fire
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a multi-story high-rise office building at 1 Meadowlands Plaza. Fire crews responded to an automatic fire alarm and discovered that the building’s sprinkler system had successfully extinguished a fire in an air handler unit located in the penthouse. Due to the size of the building and potential hazards, a second alarm was issued. Water from the sprinkler system caused damage to multiple floors and utility closets, requiring mitigation efforts. The incident is under investigation by the East Rutherford Bureau of Fire Safety.
Link to original article: Rutherford Daily Voice
My Enemy to the Rescue – Water Saves "Betty the Cat"
Location: Bel Air, Maryland, USA
Summary: A fire in a senior apartment complex at Park View at Bel Air started in the kitchen of a unit when flames erupted behind a stove and refrigerator. The automatic fire sprinkler system activated, preventing the fire from spreading. Firefighters safely evacuated the building. While the resident escaped, his pet cat, "Betty," was left behind. Fire marshals later found Betty inside the apartment, drenched but unharmed. The sprinkler system saved both property and lives, though three units remained temporarily uninhabitable due to water damage.
Link to original article: WMAR-2 News
Careless Use of Smoking Materials Leads to Closet Fire Saturday
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Summary: A fire at a senior apartment complex on Bader Street ignited in a closet due to improperly discarded smoking materials. The building’s sprinkler system activated and prevented the fire from spreading beyond the closet. Fire crews responded to a water flow alarm and found a single sprinkler head had contained the flames. Because of extreme cold temperatures, residents were sheltered in place instead of being evacuated. One person was displaced, and damages were estimated at $5,000.
Link to original article: Fox 11 News
Dryer Catches Fire in KMY Residence Hall
Location: Goshen, Indiana, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in the laundry room of Kratz and Yoder Residence Halls at Goshen College after a dryer caught fire. The sprinkler system activated and extinguished the flames before fire crews arrived. While the fire remained contained to the dryer, smoke and water damage required the laundry room to close for several days. Fire officials emphasized the importance of proper evacuation, as some students recorded the fire instead of calling 911 immediately.
Link to original article: The Record
Sprinkler System Puts Out Fire at Northwest OKC Apartment Complex
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Summary: A fire broke out early Friday morning at an apartment complex on Northwest 10th Street between Portland and Meridian avenues. Fire crews responded at approximately 2:30 a.m. and found that the building’s sprinkler system had extinguished the fire before their arrival. It is unknown if any injuries were sustained. The fire department is investigating the cause of the fire.
Link to original article: KOCO 5 News
Fire at Off-Campus Housing in Spartanburg
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a third-floor apartment at the Auden Apartments, an off-campus housing complex for USC Upstate students. The building’s fire sprinkler system activated and successfully controlled the flames before firefighters arrived. Water damage from the sprinkler system affected apartments on the first and second floors, displacing at least 24 residents. The fire was determined to be accidental.
Link to original article: WYFF 4 New
Explosion at Stevensville Building Under Investigation
Location: Stevensville, Maryland, USA
Summary: A propane and butane explosion occurred at PharmaCann, a cannabis extraction facility. The facility’s fire sprinkler system activated and contained the fire, preventing further damage. The explosion resulted in two injuries, with one individual sustaining severe but non-life-threatening injuries. Hazmat teams responded due to the presence of hazardous materials. Properties near the facility were evacuated, and damages are estimated at over $250,000. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Link to original article: WBOC News
Fire Damages Burger King in Syracuse; Alarm Alerted Firefighters
Location: Syracuse, New York, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at a Burger King restaurant on Butternut Street in Syracuse. Firefighters were alerted by an automatic fire alarm and arrived to find smoke inside the building. The fire was located in the back of the restaurant, and the sprinkler system had activated, keeping the flames in check. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. The building sustained fire, smoke, and water damage.
Link to original article: Syracuse.com
Fire at Washington County Senior High-Rise Leaves Resident Dead
Location: South Strabane, Pennsylvania, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at the Thomas Campbell Apartments, a senior high-rise, around 7:45 a.m. The fire was contained to a fourth-floor apartment, but heavy smoke spread throughout the building. Firefighters and maintenance staff were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Tragically, a 68-year-old resident died, and another was hospitalized. The fire is believed to have been caused by smoking while using oxygen. The building had undergone $1 million in fire safety upgrades, including the addition of a fire sprinkler system, following a previous fatal fire in 2021.
Link to original article: CBS Pittsburgh
Fire in Apartment Complex Put Out by Sprinkler
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Summary: The Yuma Fire Department responded to a fire at a large multifamily residential complex on West 30th Street. Upon arrival, crews found an active sprinkler system had already extinguished a cooking fire on the back patio of one of the apartments. Firefighters shut down the sprinkler system and reset the alarm panel. No injuries were reported, and the damage was limited due to the quick activation of the sprinkler system.
Link to original article: KYMA News
No One Hurt After Dryer Catches Fire in Tallahassee Building
Location: Tallahassee, Florida, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in the laundry room on the fifth floor of a building near Florida A&M University. The sprinkler system contained the fire before firefighters arrived, limiting damage to the laundry room. Firefighters and FAMU police worked on the scene for about an hour to clear smoke and ensure the safety of residents. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: WCTV News
Fire at South Lakeland Hotel Displaces Hurricane Milton Refugees
Location: Lakeland, Florida, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at the Imperial Swan Hotel, where many residents displaced by Hurricane Milton were staying under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Firefighters arrived to find the building’s alarm system activated and the fire sprinkler system suppressing flames in a second-floor room. The fire resulted in the death of a pet dog and led to significant water damage. Many displaced residents were forced to seek alternative housing. The hotel had a history of fire code violations, including non-functional smoke alarms, damaged fire barriers, and overdue inspections.
Link to original article: The Ledger
Fire in Western Illinois University Residence Hall Causes $20,000 in Fire, Smoke, and Water Damage
Location: Macomb, Illinois, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in Grote Hall at Western Illinois University, originating in a wastebasket in a dorm room. The fire activated a sprinkler inside the closet, preventing further spread. Firefighters responded quickly, but multiple rooms suffered smoke and water damage. Two students were displaced. Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by improper disposal of ignited materials.
Link to original article: Muddy River News
Sprinklers Help Mitigate Fires in Ashburn and Leesburg
Location: Loudoun County, Virginia, USA
Summary: Two fires within 24 hours were successfully contained by sprinkler systems in Ashburn and Leesburg. The first fire occurred at an automotive facility, where an automatic sprinkler extinguished flames caused by improperly stored alkaline batteries. The second fire happened in a six-story apartment building due to an unattended candle. Sprinklers activated, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the originating apartment. Fire officials estimate total damages at $140,000. No injuries were reported in either incident.
Link to original article: Ashburn Patch
Fire Alarm Repair Keeps Toms River, NJ Shopping Center Closed
Location: Toms River, New Jersey, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in the pump room of the Tri-City Plaza shopping center, affecting the fire suppression and alarm systems. The sprinkler system activated and helped extinguish the fire before it could spread. Due to the fire damaging essential life safety systems, businesses remained closed until repairs were completed. Investigators believe a mechanical failure in the diesel-powered fire pump caused the fire.
Link to original article: New Jersey 101.5
Firefighters Respond to Morning Fire at Spring Hill High School
Location: Richland County, South Carolina, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a dryer inside a utility room near the cafeteria at Spring Hill High School. The sprinkler system activated and prevented the flames from spreading. Firefighters contained the fire to the dryer and safely evacuated all students. No injuries were reported, and students were able to return to class after smoke was cleared from the building.
Link to original article: ABC Columbia
Fall River Fire Department Releases Preliminary Cause of Fire That Burned Female and Juvenile
Location: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in an apartment, injuring a female and a juvenile. Two sprinkler heads activated, preventing the flames from spreading. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the remaining fire. The victims sustained burn injuries and were transported to the hospital. Investigators believe the fire was caused by an accident while blowing out a candle.
Link to original article: Fall River Reporter
The Effectiveness of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Statistics show that buildings equipped with fire sprinkler systems experience:
80% fewer fire-related deaths compared to those without systems (FEMA, 2025).
Up to 55% reduction in property loss from fires (McGree, 2024).
Significant improvement in occupant evacuation times due to early suppression and reduced smoke spread.
Sprinkler systems are particularly crucial in multifamily residential properties, high-rises, and commercial buildings, where rapid fire spread poses significant risks. Recent incidents illustrate how automatic fire suppression technology continues to protect communities and prevent major disasters.
The success stories above highlight why fire sprinklers should be a standard requirement in all commercial and residential structures. Their ability to prevent fire-related deaths and reduce property loss is unmatched. While fire departments remain vital to emergency response, sprinkler systems provide a critical first response, ensuring fires remain manageable until help arrives.
Investing in fire sprinkler systems saves lives, protects property, and enhances community resilience. As fire safety professionals, we must continue advocating for broader implementation and maintenance of these essential systems.
References
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2025). Home Fire Sprinklers. Retrieved from https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-sprinklers/#:~:text=Sprinklers%20can%20limit%20the%20damage,in%20a%20fire%20by%2082%25
McGree, T (2024). U.S. experience with sprinklers. National Fire Protection Association. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-experience-with-sprinklers
Bonham, R. (2025, January 29). Firefighters respond to early-morning apartment fire near downtown Eugene. KEZI. Retrieved from https://www.kezi.com/news/local/firefighters-respond-to-early-morning-apartment-fire-near-downtown-eugene/article_b52c4040-de82-11ef-804f-4be52e2d776b.html
Dempsey, C. (2025, January 30). Worker burned in Windsor chemical fire on Great Pond Drive: Officials. Darien Times. Retrieved from https://www.darientimes.com/journalinquirer/article/worker-burned-chemical-fire-scapa-plant-windsor-20063398.php
Kadosh, M. (2025, January 30). Fire prompts evacuation of Montclair restaurant Wednesday. Montclair Local. Retrieved from https://montclairlocal.news/2025/01/fire-prompts-evacuation-of-montclair-restaurant-wednesday/
Michaels, K. (2025, February 1). Kelowna fire injures one, displaces others. Castanet Kamloops. Retrieved from https://www.castanetkamloops.net/edition/news-story-530620-1-.htm
Fire in Western Illinois University residence hall causes $20,000 in fire, smoke and water damage. (2025, January 16). Muddy River News. Retrieved from https://muddyrivernews.com/noteworthy/fire-in-western-illinois-university-residence-hall-causes-20000-in-fire-smoke-and-water-damage/20250116161219
Belfast apartment fire displaces residents. (2025, January 31). Bangor Daily News. Retrieved from https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/01/31/midcoast/midcoast-housing/belfast-maine-apartment-fire-displaces-residents/
Miller, T. (2025, January 27). Dryer catches fire in KMY. The Record. Retrieved from https://record.goshen.edu/news/dryer-fire
Levine, C. (2025, January 26). Multiple levels of East Rutherford high-rise damaged by water after 2nd alarm fire: Officials. Rutherford Daily Voice. Retrieved from https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/rutherford/multiple-levels-of-east-rutherford-high-rise-damaged-by-water-after-2nd-alarm-fire-officials/
Case, T. (2025, January 26). My enemy to the rescue - water saves "Betty the Cat". WMAR2 News. Retrieved from https://www.wmar2news.com/local/my-enemy-to-the-rescue-water-saves-betty-the-cat
Powell River Peak. (2025, January 26). Powell River Fire Rescue responds to supportive housing fire. Powell River Peak. Retrieved from https://www.prpeak.com/local-news/powell-river-fire-rescue-responds-to-supportive-housing-fire-10146201
Southern Maryland News Net. (2025, January 28). Two businesses in Laurel Glen Shopping Center suffer damage after early morning fire. Southern Maryland News Net. Retrieved from https://smnewsnet.com/archives/543180/two-businesses-in-laurel-glen-shopping-center-suffer-damage-after-early-morning-fire/
Husain, M. (2025, January 27). Early morning fire in Urbana high-rise contained by sprinkler system; no injuries reported. Fox Illinois. Retrieved from https://foxillinois.com/news/local/early-morning-fire-in-urbana-high-rise-contained-by-sprinkler-system-no-injuries-reported
Greco, J. (2025, January 24). Sprinkler system puts out fire at northwest OKC apartment complex. KOCO 5 News. Retrieved from https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-apartment-complex-fire-sprinkler-system-nw10th-portland/63540264
Rainey, Z. (2025, January 24). Fire at off-campus housing in Spartanburg. WYFF 4. Retrieved from https://www.wyff4.com/article/usc-upstate-student-housing-fire-south-carolina/63525583
Russo, S. (2025, January 22). Explosion at Stevensville building under investigation. WBOC. Retrieved from https://www.wboc.com/news/explosion-at-stevensville-building-under-investigation-by-state-fire-marshals-office/article_65ad2a42-d92e-11ef-bf36-a31d37f8544a.html
Guidotti, R. (2025, January 23). Fire at Washington County senior high-rise leaves resident dead. CBS Pittsburgh. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/washington-county-senior-high-rise-fatal-fire/
FOX 11 News. (2025, January 26). "Careless use of smoking materials" leads to closet fire Saturday. FOX 11 Online. Retrieved from https://fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay-metro-fire-department-closet-fire-sprinkler-smoking-materials-bader-street
Kirk, R. (2025, January 25). Fire damages Burger King in Syracuse; alarm alerted firefighters. Syracuse.com. Retrieved from https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2025/01/fire-alarm-alerts-firefighters-that-syracuse-burger-king-was-on-fire.html
Walsh, S.-M. (2025, January 17). Fire at South Lakeland hotel displaces Hurricane Milton refugees. The Ledger. Retrieved from https://www.theledger.com/story/news/fire/2025/01/17/fire-at-south-lakeland-imperial-swan-hotel-displaces-hurricane-milton-refugees-fema/77777843007/
Paiva, K. (2025, January 16). Fall River Fire Department releases preliminary cause of fire that burned female and juvenile. Fall River Reporter. Retrieved from https://fallriverreporter.com/fall-river-fire-department-releases-preliminary-cause-of-fire-that-burned-female-and-juvenile/
Leayman, E. (2025, January 16). Sprinklers help mitigate fires in Ashburn, Leesburg. Patch. Retrieved from https://patch.com/virginia/ashburn/sprinklers-help-mitigate-fires-ashburn-leesburg
Fuhrman, D., & Ordonez, M. (2025, January 21). Fire in apartment complex put out by sprinkler. KYMA. Retrieved from https://kyma.com/news/local-news/2025/01/21/fire-in-apartment-complex-put-out-by-sprinkler/
Christensen, C. (2025, January 20). TFD: No one hurt after dryer catches fire in building along Robert and Trudie Perkins Way on Monday. WCTV. Retrieved from https://www.wctv.tv/2025/01/20/tfd-no-one-hurt-after-dryer-catches-fire-building-along-robert-trudie-perkins-way-monday/
Alexander, D. (2025, January 16). Fire alarm repair keeps Toms River, NJ shopping center closed. NJ 101.5. Retrieved from https://nj1015.com/fire-closes-supermarket-and-shopping-center-in-toms-river-nj/
Rigby, T. (2025, January 14). Firefighters respond to morning fire at Spring Hill High School. ABC Columbia. Retrieved from https://www.abccolumbia.com/2025/01/14/firefighters-respond-to-morning-fire-at-spring-hill-high-school/
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