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Writer's pictureTim Spears
Aug 288 min read

Recent Fire Sprinkler Wins: Key Incidents from August 11-20, 2024



Fire sprinkler systems are an important safety feature. When a fire breaks out, these systems can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic disaster. From residential buildings to tech labs, fire sprinklers play a crucial role in community risk reduction, preventing property loss, and, most importantly, saving lives. This blog post continues our series on the value of fire sprinkler systems, highlighting recent real-world incidents where fire sprinklers have made a significant impact. In this installment, we cover news stories from August 11th to August 20th, showcasing the undeniable value of these systems in various settings.


While there may be more instances of fire sprinkler saves, the following are those that were reported from the sources we monitor.


Recent Fire Sprinkler System Saves


Fire at Coralville Apartment Quickly Contained by Sprinkler System


Location: Coralville, Iowa, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in a kitchen at a multifamily residential property on Russell Slade Blvd. in Coralville. The fire sprinkler system activated immediately, containing and extinguishing the fire before it could spread, resulting in only minor smoke and water damage. The Coralville Fire Department emphasized the importance of well-maintained sprinkler systems in safeguarding lives and property, noting that they can be the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event.


Link to original article: CBS2 Iowa


MD State Fire Marshal Rules Fire at Wicomico Middle School Accidental


Location: Salisbury, Maryland, USA


Summary: A fire at Wicomico Middle School was contained by the activation of both a smoke alarm and a sprinkler system. The fire, which started in a janitorial closet due to the spontaneous combustion of cleaning rags, was ruled accidental. Thanks to the quick response of the sprinkler system, damage was limited to approximately $2,000, and the incident highlighted the effectiveness of automated fire safety systems in school environments.


Link to original article: WGMD


Fire Causes Temporary Closure of East Sonora Trash Transfer Station


Location: East Sonora, California, USA


Summary: A fire at the Cal Sierra Waste Management Transfer Station triggered an automatic deluge sprinkler system, which played a critical role in preventing the fire from spreading throughout the facility. Multiple fire agencies responded to the early morning incident, and although the station was temporarily closed, normal services resumed shortly after. The sprinkler system's activation was pivotal in limiting the damage and maintaining safety during the response efforts.


Link to original article: Union Democrat


Sprinkler System Helps Limit Fire Damage at SE Redmond Animal-Bedding Business


Location: Redmond, Oregon, USA


Summary: A fire at an animal-bedding business in southeast Redmond was quickly brought under control thanks to an activated sprinkler system. The fire broke out in a storage area containing combustible materials. The sprinkler system effectively limited the spread of the fire, allowing firefighters to fully extinguish the blaze before it could cause significant damage to the structure or contents. This incident underscores the importance of having active fire suppression systems in businesses dealing with highly flammable materials.


Link to original article: KTVZ


BFD Responds to Fire on West Commerce


Location: Brownwood, Texas, USA


Summary: The Brownwood Fire Department responded to a fire at the Best Western Plus on West Commerce after a fire started in the laundry room due to a malfunctioning commercial clothes dryer. The building's fire sprinkler system activated and contained the fire, preventing further extension. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire using a fire extinguisher and ventilated smoke from the building. No occupants were displaced or injured, and the business remained open. The sprinkler system played a crucial role in minimizing damage, estimated at $10,000.


Link to original article: Brownwood News


Fire Alarm Triggers Evacuation at Washington County High School


Location: Sandersville, Georgia, USA


Summary: A fire alarm at Washington County High School triggered an evacuation after smoke from malfunctioning cafeteria equipment activated both the fire alarm and sprinkler system. The incident occurred midday, and all students and staff were evacuated safely with no injuries reported. Clean-up efforts were underway, and the school planned to resume normal food service by the following day. The response underscored the importance of functional fire alarms and sprinklers in school safety protocols.


Link to original article: 41NBC News




Community Helps Clean Up The Potter’s House After Fire


Location: Wyoming, Michigan, USA


Summary: A fire at The Potter’s House, a church connected to a school, was quickly contained by the fire sprinkler system after starting in a wastebasket near a soundboard in the sanctuary. The sprinkler system effectively prevented the fire from spreading, although water caused damage to the sanctuary and several classrooms. Community members responded swiftly to assist in the cleanup, highlighting the role of community support in recovery efforts. Despite the damage, the school aimed to open on schedule, though some services were temporarily relocated.


Link to original article: WOODTV


Dearness Home Fire in London


Location: London, Ontario, Canada


Summary: A late-night fire at the Dearness Home, a city-operated long-term care facility with 243 beds, was contained by the sprinkler system before it could cause significant harm. The fire, caused by the improper discard of smoking materials, activated the sprinkler system, allowing many residents to shelter in place while some were moved temporarily within the building. No injuries or displacements occurred, and regular operations resumed with ongoing remediation. This incident underscores the critical role of sprinkler systems in protecting vulnerable populations in care facilities.


Link to original article: CTV News


Sprinkler System Saves Lives in West Side Fire


Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: A fire at Segoe Terrace Apartments, an 8-story building on Madison's west side, was quickly extinguished by the sprinkler system, which activated after smoke was reported on the 4th floor. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire was already contained, with damage limited to a single unit, though water from the sprinkler system affected multiple floors. No injuries were reported. This incident highlights the life-saving benefits of fire sprinklers, particularly in high-rise residential settings.


Link to original article: Channel 3000


Couch Fire Spreads to Mississauga Library


Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada


Summary: A fire that began on a couch outside the Hazel McCallion Central Library spread into the building, but was swiftly controlled by the library’s sprinkler system. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene, preventing the fire from causing extensive damage inside the library. Although no injuries were reported, the library was temporarily closed due to smoke and water damage, and investigations are ongoing to determine the fire’s cause. The effectiveness of the sprinkler system played a crucial role in limiting the damage and maintaining public safety.


Link to original article: Mississauga News




Kitchen Fire Put Out by Sprinkler System at Starkville Apartment Complex


Location: Starkville, Mississippi, USA


Summary: A kitchen fire at the Vista Apartments near Mississippi State University in Starkville was quickly extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. The fire occurred on the second floor and was contained before it could spread to other units, ensuring that no injuries were reported. The swift action of the sprinkler system highlights the critical role of fire suppression systems in residential buildings, especially in high-density areas such as college campuses.


Link to original article: WTVA News




Fire at Westchester Storage Facility Knocked Down in 26 Minutes


Location: Westchester, California, USA


Summary: A fire broke out on the fifth floor of the Extra Space Storage facility in Westchester and was held in check by the building’s fire sprinkler system. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly after being alerted by the facility’s automatic fire alarm system. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 26 minutes, limiting the damage to a single storage unit. The sprinkler system played a key role in preventing the fire from spreading further in the seven-story building, aiding in the rapid control of the incident.


Link to original article: MyNewsLA


Condos Evacuated After Côte-des-Neiges Business Set on Fire


Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada


Summary: A fire was set deliberately at a business on Jean-Talon St. W. in Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, after someone broke a window, sprayed gasoline inside, and ignited it. The sprinkler system activated and controlled the fire before firefighters arrived. While the fire was quickly extinguished, significant water damage occurred, prompting the evacuation of condos above the business. Residents were allowed to return later that morning, and no injuries were reported. The arson squad is investigating the incident.


Link to original article: Montreal Gazette





Man Arrested After Intentionally Setting Fire at Retirement Home


Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA


Summary: A fire at Barringer Gardens, a retirement home in Charlotte, was deliberately set by a suspect who was later arrested and charged with first-degree arson. The fire was reported via the building’s commercial fire alarm system around 2:40 a.m., and firefighters found smoke in the hallways upon arrival. The activated sprinkler system had already contained the fire, which helped in quickly bringing it under control. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused an estimated $15,000 in damage. This incident underscores the importance of fire safety systems in protecting vulnerable populations in retirement homes.


Link to original article: WCCB Charlotte's CW




Sprinkler Activation Knocks Down Fire at Google Computer Lab


Location: Mountain View, California, USA


Summary: A fire at a Google computer lab on the Mountain View campus was contained by an overhead sprinkler system after an unattended electrical component overheated on a workbench. The fire, which caused approximately $200,000 in damage, activated the sprinkler system, helping to control the flames before firefighters arrived. Fire crews managed to extinguish the fire and mitigate further water and smoke damage, safeguarding sensitive electronics in the lab. This incident highlights the effectiveness of sprinklers in tech environments, where quick action is crucial to protecting valuable equipment.


Link to original article: FireRescue1




Why Fire Sprinkler Systems Matter


Key Benefits of Fire Sprinkler Systems


  • Quick Response: Fire sprinklers activate rapidly, often before the fire department arrives, reducing fire spread and damage.

  • Life Safety: By controlling fires at their source, sprinklers provide critical time for occupants to evacuate safely.

  • Property Protection: They help minimize damage, resulting in lower repair costs and reduced business interruptions.

  • Community Impact: Widespread use of sprinklers can significantly reduce overall community fire risk, protecting both lives and property.


FAQ: Understanding Fire Sprinkler Systems


Q: How do fire sprinkler systems operate?


A: Fire sprinklers are heat-activated. Each sprinkler head is designed to release water when it detects a certain temperature, directly targeting the source of the heat.


Q: Do all sprinklers activate at once?


A: No, only the sprinkler heads near the fire will activate, providing targeted suppression without unnecessary water damage.


Exploring the Role of Fire Sprinklers


Fire sprinkler systems are designed to control or extinguish fires. They serve as an integral part of fire protection in various occupancies, from residential buildings to commercial and industrial facilities.


By releasing water directly onto the heat source, fire sprinklers suppress the fire's growth, providing critical intervention during the early stages of a fire.


These systems are found in high-risk areas, including multifamily homes, schools, warehouses, and offices. They are particularly valuable in settings where rapid response can prevent widespread damage.


Fire sprinklers are essential because they save lives, protect property, and reduce the overall risk of fire-related incidents in communities. Their presence can significantly lower the impact of fires, making them a cornerstone of modern fire safety strategies.


References


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