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Writer's pictureTim Spears
6 days ago12 min read

Fire Sprinkler Systems: Success Stories in Community Risk Reduction (October 2024)



Fire sprinkler systems are a important element of modern fire safety and community risk reduction strategies. They offer protection in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, containing fires long before firefighters arrive. This blog post is part of our ongoing series on fire sprinkler saves, which showcases the effectiveness of these systems in saving lives and reducing property damage. In this post, we highlight multiple real-world incidents where fire sprinklers played a pivotal role in mitigating disasters and ensuring community safety.


How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?


Fire sprinkler systems are designed to detect and respond to high heat, typically caused by fire. Each sprinkler head contains a small bulb or fusible link that bursts or melts when it reaches a specific temperature, releasing water to suppress the fire at its early stages. Unlike what we often see in movies, not all sprinklers go off simultaneously—only the one(s) near the fire activate. This targeted approach helps minimize water damage while effectively controlling or extinguishing fires.


Fire sprinkler systems are a key element of community risk reduction, providing critical minutes that allow residents to evacuate safely and prevent fires from spreading out of control. Below, we highlight recent incidents where sprinkler systems proved their worth.


"A Residential Building’s Trash Chute Catches Fire Off the Concord Turnpike"


Location: Concord, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the trash chute of a six-story residential building in Concord. The building’s fire alarm system activated, prompting a response from the Cambridge Fire Department and other nearby departments. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the fire had triggered the sprinkler system, which controlled the fire until it was fully extinguished by responding crews. All floors were evacuated, ventilated, and checked for carbon monoxide. The sprinkler system effectively contained the fire, preventing further damage, and no injuries were reported.


Link to original article: Boston 25 News


"Apartment Fire Early Tuesday Morning in Dilworth"


Location: Dilworth, Minnesota, USA


Summary: Fire crews from Moorhead and Dilworth responded to a fire early Tuesday morning at an apartment building on 3rd Avenue NW. The fire, located near a window in one of the apartments, resulted in the breakage of a window due to intense heat. Fortunately, the building's sprinkler system activated and quickly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. The incident remained under investigation by the Dilworth Police, and no injuries were reported.


Link to original article: Lakes Area Radio


"Bethel Firefighters Tackle Warehouse Blaze"


Location: Bethel, Connecticut, USA


Summary: A warehouse fire occurred on Henry Street in Bethel, involving boat motors and lithium-ion batteries. The fire started on Tuesday evening, activating an automatic fire alarm that dispatched crews from Bethel, Stony Hill, and other nearby fire departments. The building’s sprinkler system was able to contain the fire to a small section of the warehouse until the responding crews extinguished it. Due to the involvement of lithium-ion batteries, a hazardous materials team and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were called to assess the situation. The batteries were ultimately disposed of by an outside environmental contractor. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: Bethel, CT Patch


"Chesterfield Apartment Fire Displaces Three Adults, Three Dogs"


Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia, USA


Summary: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS responded to a kitchen fire in an apartment building on Trotters Lane on Saturday morning. The fire had already been extinguished by the apartment's sprinkler system before crews arrived. While fire damage was limited to a single apartment, two adjacent units sustained water damage. The incident displaced three adults and three dogs, who are currently being assisted by property management. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: WRIC ABC 8News


"Clark County Fire Battle Home Blaze in Southern Highlands Community"


Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA


Summary: The Clark County Fire Department responded to a residential fire in the Southern Highlands community in South Las Vegas. The fire occurred in a large home, prompting the response of 71 first responders, including officials from the City of Henderson. A residential sprinkler system helped to keep the fire in check until fire personnel arrived, allowing them to fully extinguish the blaze by 5:22 p.m. All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation, and the extent of damage has not been estimated.


Link to original article: News 3 Las Vegas


"Coral House Catering Hall in Baldwin Damaged in Early Morning Fire"


Location: Baldwin, New York, USA


Summary: A fire broke out early Wednesday at the Coral House catering hall in Baldwin, New York. The blaze began in a storage area on the south side of the building, and the Baldwin Fire Department responded at 4 a.m. The sprinkler system effectively suppressed the fire before firefighters finished extinguishing it. The damage included broken windows and wet carpeting, but the hall was expected to be back to normal by Thursday. The incident did not result in any injuries, and staff were redirected to other locations for the day.


Link to original article: Newsday


"Electrical Fire Sparks at the Axiom Theater Early Wednesday Morning"


Location: Redding, California, USA


Summary: The Redding Fire Department responded to an electrical fire at the Axiom Repertory Theatre in Redding early Wednesday morning. The fire was caused by an electrical malfunction and occurred around 6:40 a.m. The building was unoccupied at the time, and there were no injuries reported. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire, but the theatre did sustain water damage as a result. Adjacent businesses, including an aquarium retailer, were not affected.


Link to original article: KRCR TV


"Fire Breaks Out at Business in Rancho Cordova on Friday Evening"


Location: Rancho Cordova, California, USA


Summary: Firefighters responded to a fire at the Firestone Tire business on Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova on Friday evening. The fire involved a vehicle and chemical fuels, leading to the request of a second alarm. The sprinkler system activated and held the fire in check until firefighters arrived and fully extinguished it. The building was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.


Link to original article: KCRA


"Fire Causes Damage at Lebanon Walmart"


Location: Lebanon, Oregon, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the Lebanon Walmart Superstore on Tuesday afternoon, originating in the aisle with pool supplies and chemicals. Shoppers noticed the fire and alerted store staff, who evacuated the building. The fire grew to the point where it activated one sprinkler head, which nearly extinguished the fire before firefighters completed the job. The incident caused extensive smoke and water damage throughout the store, but no injuries were reported. The HazMat team was called due to the chemicals involved.


Link to original article: Lebanon Express


"Fire in Mahoney Residential College Causes Students to Evacuate"


Location: Miami, Florida, USA


Summary: A dryer on the third floor of Mahoney Residential College at the University of Miami caught fire, triggering the building's sprinkler system. The sprinkler activation resulted in significant water damage, with flooding affecting the second and fourth floors. The fire occurred during the late hours of October 28, leading to the evacuation of students to nearby facilities. Most students living above the fourth floor were allowed to return the same night, while others, particularly from impacted floors, were temporarily relocated to a hotel or other campus housing. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: The Miami Hurricane


"Fire Temporarily Closes Target Store in Rosemont"


Location: Rosemont, Illinois, USA


Summary: A small fire broke out in the diaper aisle of a Target store in Rosemont on Thursday morning, leading to the activation of two sprinkler heads. A person inside the store attempted to extinguish the fire with a portable fire extinguisher. Fire crews arrived and finished extinguishing the blaze, which resulted in the evacuation of the store. Four individuals were checked by paramedics for minor concerns but did not require treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the store remained closed for cleanup and inspection.


Link to original article: Daily Herald


"GCU Fires at Residential Building Investigated as Potential Arson"


Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA


Summary: Two small fires broke out in the third-floor study lounge area of Grand Canyon University's Agave Apartments on Sunday morning. The fires were contained by the building's fire sprinkler system before firefighters fully extinguished them. The incident resulted in smoke and water damage to six suites, displacing 24 students who were relocated to other accommodations on campus. The fires are being investigated as potential arson, with Phoenix Fire and Police working to determine the cause. There were no injuries reported.


Link to original article: Arizona Republic


"HFD Classify Kalihi Storage Building Fire as Accidental"


Location: Kalihi, Hawaii, USA


Summary: The Honolulu Fire Department responded to a fire in a storage building in Kalihi on October 23. The fire started when a candle ignited nearby items in the building, which had an operational sprinkler system that activated before the fire department's arrival, assisting in containing the fire. Firefighters controlled the fire within approximately an hour, and it was fully extinguished shortly afterward. Damage to the property was estimated at $205,000, with an additional $80,000 in content losses. The fire was classified as accidental, and there were no reported injuries.


Link to original article: KITV


"Libertyville Home’s Sprinkler System Thwarts Morning Garage Fire"


Location: Libertyville, Illinois, USA


Summary: A garage fire broke out in a home in Libertyville, Illinois, on the morning of October 15. The recently installed sprinkler system successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread to other areas of the house. Residents alerted firefighters to the incident after discovering smoke in a back room of their attached garage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but thanks to the sprinkler system, no injuries were reported, and the damage was contained to the garage area.


Link to original article: Daily Herald


"Lint Buildup Leads to Clothes Dryer Fire in Mountain View Apartment Building"


Location: Mountain View, California, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the laundry room of an apartment building in Mountain View on October 23, due to lint buildup in a clothes dryer. The fire caused heavy smoke and water damage, as sprinklers activated to contain the blaze. Tenants evacuated the building without injury. Firefighters extinguished the fire and removed the water from the affected areas, including two apartments below the laundry room. Estimated damage to the building and its contents amounted to $40,000.


Link to original article: Mountain View Voice


"Mattress Fire Displaces Residents at Affordable Housing Building in Nanaimo"


Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada


Summary: A fire broke out in an affordable housing building on Rosehill Street in Nanaimo on October 16, caused by smoking-related activities in a bedroom. The building's sprinkler system activated, helping to contain the fire, which was extinguished by Nanaimo Fire Rescue. While the fire was controlled, the sprinkler activation caused water damage that affected the first and second floors, leaving 16 units uninhabitable. Seven residents required temporary housing assistance. Restoration efforts were underway to ensure the safety of the sprinkler and electrical systems.


Link to original article: Nanaimo News Bulletin


"NOPD Seeks Suspect Wanted for Apartment Arson"


Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in an apartment on Conti Street in the Iberville neighborhood of New Orleans on October 26. The building's sprinkler system contained the flames before firefighters arrived, minimizing the damage. One person was treated for minor smoke inhalation at University Medical Center. The fire was allegedly set by a middle-aged man after an argument, and police have identified him as a suspect in an aggravated arson investigation. The New Orleans Fire Department extinguished the remaining fire, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect.


Link to original article: WWLTV


"Residents Report Hearing an Explosion as Fire, Flooding Damages Langford Apartment Building"


Location: Langford, British Columbia, Canada


Summary: On October 26, a fire broke out in a studio suite on the fifth floor of an apartment building on Hockley Avenue in Langford. Residents reported hearing a loud bang. The fire was small and was quickly contained by the building's sprinkler system, preventing its spread. However, significant water damage occurred as water flowed down to the other suites. One person was inside the affected unit but evacuated safely. No injuries were reported, and restoration work was being organized to address the water damage.


Link to original article: CHEK News


"RFD Responds to Cooking Fire at Century Heights Apartments"


Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA


Summary: The Rochester Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at Century Heights Apartments early Monday morning on October 14. The fire, which originated in a kitchen, was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system before firefighters arrived. The incident led to moderate water damage in the affected unit, and no injuries were reported. The fire department emphasized the importance of sprinkler systems in reducing fatalities and property damage during fires.


Link to original article: KAAL TV


"Several Units Damaged During Fire at Bradford Seniors Complex"


Location: Bradford, Ontario, Canada


Summary: A fire broke out in a third-floor bedroom of a seniors' housing complex on Miller Park Avenue in Bradford on October 21. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to the room of origin, while water damage affected three units below. One resident was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons, but no serious injuries were reported. The Simcoe County Housing Corporation is supporting affected residents during the cleanup process, and all efforts are being made to return residents to their homes as quickly as possible.


Link to original article: Barrie News


"Sprinkler System Keeps 5th Floor Deck Fire from Spreading in Kelowna"


Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada


Summary: A minor fire broke out on a fifth-floor deck of a six-story apartment building in Kelowna early on October 18. The sprinkler system activated and prevented the fire from spreading. The Kelowna Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the remaining fire. All residents evacuated the building safely, and no injuries were reported. The fire was deemed accidental, and no further investigation is required.


Link to original article: Kelowna Capital News


"Update: Person of Interest Comes Forward to Talk to Police About Superstore Fire"


Location: Mission, British Columbia, Canada


Summary: A fire broke out at the Real Canadian Superstore in Mission on October 22, causing extensive smoke and water damage. The fire began in the toilet paper aisle and was deemed suspicious, with evidence suggesting it may have been intentionally set. The sprinkler system activated and limited the fire's spread. No injuries were reported. A person of interest, who was in the area when the fire started, has come forward to cooperate with the police investigation. The store remains closed while authorities continue their investigation.


Link to original article: Fraser Valley Today


"Woman Dies in Saturday Southfield Apartment Complex Fire"


Location: Southfield, Michigan, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in an apartment complex on Civic Center Drive in Southfield on October 20, resulting in the death of a woman in her 70s. The fire occurred on the building's fourth floor, and while the sprinkler system helped to suppress the flames and prevent the fire from spreading, the victim was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the hospital. A neighbor called 911 after hearing a smoke detector. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.


Link to original article: The Detroit News


Fire sprinkler systems are not only a means of property protection but also a critical life safety measure. They give occupants time to evacuate and prevent fires from spreading, saving both lives and property. The incidents highlighted here illustrate how fire sprinklers are instrumental in mitigating risks and reinforcing community safety.


Fire departments, building owners, and residents alike can benefit from increased awareness of the importance of sprinkler systems. They are an invaluable asset in the broader strategy of community risk reduction, offering significant protective benefits that far outweigh the initial cost of installation.


As demonstrated by these real-world incidents, fire sprinkler systems are an essential component of effective fire safety practices. They save lives, protect property, and reduce the workload on emergency responders by containing fires at their earliest stages. It’s important that we continue advocating for the installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems in all types of buildings to enhance community safety and resilience.


References


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