Fire Sprinkler Saves: February 2025 - Part 1
- Tim Spears
- Mar 15
- 9 min read
Fire sprinkler systems are an essential component of modern fire protection, playing a important role in reducing fire damage, preventing injuries, and saving lives. While public perception often focuses on the work of firefighters in suppressing fires, automatic fire sprinklers act as the first line of defense, containing fires before they can escalate into catastrophic events. This blog post highlights several recent incidents where fire sprinkler systems successfully prevented major damage and protected building occupants.
How Fire Sprinklers Work
Fire sprinkler systems operate through a simple yet effective mechanism. When a fire ignites and generates heat, the nearest sprinkler head activates once the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, releasing water to suppress the fire. Contrary to common misconceptions, only the sprinkler heads in the affected area activate—preventing unnecessary water damage.
Recent Fire Sprinkler Saves
Six people rescued from Somerville hotel fire
Location:Â Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
Summary:
On February 6, 2025, firefighters responded to a fire at a Holiday Inn in Somerville. The fire originated on the ninth floor and triggered the building's fire sprinkler system, successfully containing the fire to the room of origin. Heavy smoke filled the hallways, significantly impairing visibility and leading to the rescue of six guests. Firefighters used infrared cameras to locate victims trapped by the smoke. Two individuals were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. The hotel experienced significant water and smoke damage, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Link to original article: WHDH 7News
Austin Fire Department swiftly extinguishes apartment kitchen fire with sprinkler system
Location:Â Austin, Texas, USA
Summary:
On February 9, 2025, the Austin Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on the fourth floor of an apartment building at 809 S Lamar Blvd. The building's sprinkler system activated promptly, effectively extinguishing the fire. One civilian was injured and received medical attention from Austin EMS. Fire crews conducted assessments of adjacent apartments to check for water damage resulting from sprinkler activation. The quick activation of the fire sprinkler system significantly minimized property damage and prevented the fire from spreading.
Link to original article: CBS Austin
DoubleTree Hotel fire contained by sprinkler system
Location:Â Grand Junction, Colorado, USA
Summary:
On February 10, 2025, Grand Junction Fire Department responded to a fire on the seventh floor of the DoubleTree Hotel on Horizon Drive. Heavy smoke was encountered upon arrival; however, the hotel's sprinkler system had already extinguished the fire within the room of origin, preventing further spread. Guests evacuated safely before firefighters arrived. Crews ventilated the hotel to clear smoke, and no injuries were reported. The fire department emphasized the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in preventing larger, potentially deadly fires and protecting property.
Link to original article: WesternSlopeNow.com
​Air fryer fire caused by online cleaning hack
Location:Â Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Summary:
On February 15, 2025, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue responded to a kitchen fire caused by an air fryer in Bournemouth. The incident occurred after an occupant followed an online cleaning tip, leading to the appliance igniting. The building's sprinkler system successfully extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived. The service emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to manufacturer instructions for appliance cleaning and maintenance. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
E-bike battery blamed for Ithaca apartment fire
Location:Â Ithaca, New York, USA
Summary:
On February 10, 2025, Ithaca Fire Rescue responded to a fire in an apartment building caused by an exploding e-bike battery. The sprinkler system activated, extinguishing the fire quickly and preventing further spread. Three residents safely evacuated, with no reported injuries. Smoke and water damage displaced the occupants, who were assisted by the Red Cross. Officials emphasized lithium-ion battery safety, recommending only batteries certified by UL or ETL, and advised against charging batteries in unsafe locations like hallways or stairwells.
Link to original article: WENY News
Fire at Centennial Senior Living Center Called Suspicious
Location:Â Centennial, Colorado, USA
Summary:
On February 6, 2025, a suspicious fire broke out at Centennial Crossings Senior Living Center in a fourth-floor unit. The fire activated the building's sprinkler system, effectively controlling and quickly extinguishing the fire. Although no injuries occurred, one resident was displaced due to the fire, and two others were temporarily displaced due to water damage. One individual has been arrested and faces potential arson charges. This incident highlights the sprinkler system’s critical role in safeguarding vulnerable populations, such as seniors in residential care settings.
Link to original article: 9News
Fire at Indiana University's Read Hall Leaves Sprinkler Damage
Location:Â Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Summary:
On February 13, 2025, Indiana University's Read Hall dormitory experienced a fire triggered by an electrical issue in an unoccupied room. The building’s sprinkler system activated, quickly extinguishing the fire before firefighters arrived. While no injuries were reported, all residents evacuated temporarily, and a few were rehoused due to water damage from sprinkler activation. The swift sprinkler response prevented more significant property damage and potential injury, underscoring the importance of well-maintained automatic fire suppression systems in residential educational facilities.
Link to original article: The Herald-Times
Fire at The Royal
Location:Â Picton, Ontario, Canada
Summary:
On February 11, 2025, a fire broke out at The Royal Hotel in Picton, Ontario, originating in a basement laundry area. The hotel’s sprinkler system promptly activated, extinguishing the fire before the arrival of Prince Edward County firefighters. The building was evacuated safely, although one individual was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. The hotel's emergency preparedness training, including regular drills and staff training, was praised for its effectiveness. Estimated water and smoke damage costs were around $80,000 CAD. The incident highlights the critical role of automatic sprinkler systems and emergency training in hospitality settings.
Link to original article: The Picton Gazette
Fire in Senior Complex Displaces Three People in Riverside
Location:Â Riverside, California, USA
Summary:
On February 1, 2025, the Riverside Fire Department responded to a fire at a senior residential complex in the Oasis Senior Apartments on 14th Street. The fire occurred in a bathroom and was extinguished by the building’s automatic sprinkler system, limiting damage to the apartment involved. Although there were no injuries, three residents were displaced due to the water damage resulting from sprinkler activation. This incident emphasizes the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in minimizing fire spread and property loss in senior residential settings, which house vulnerable populations.
Link to original article: MyNewsLA.com
Firefighters Extinguish Early Morning Basement Fire at Spa in Westfield
Location:Â Westfield, New Jersey, USA
Summary:
On February 8, 2025, Westfield firefighters responded to a basement fire at the On The Side Day Spa. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke inside the building and located a fire in the basement, already extinguished by the activation of the facility’s sprinkler system. No injuries were reported, and the building was safely handed back to the owners after thorough inspections and ventilation efforts. The incident demonstrates the important role of sprinklers in commercial occupancies, significantly limiting property loss and preventing injury.
Link to original article: TAPinto Westfield
Huge Amazon warehouse in Clay remains closed due to fire damage, sprinkler repairs
Location:Â Clay, New York, USA
Summary:
On February 13, 2025, a fire broke out at the Amazon warehouse in Clay, New York, which employs over 3,000 people. The building's sprinkler system activated, successfully containing the fire. However, significant water damage occurred on the second and third floors, forcing the facility to remain closed until sprinkler repairs could be completed. The rapid activation of sprinklers prevented extensive damage, ensured occupant safety with no injuries reported, and underscored the importance of operational fire suppression systems in large commercial facilities.
Link to original article: syracuse.com
Kitchen fire displaces 9 in Conway
Location:Â Conway, South Carolina, USA
Summary:
On February 1, 2025, Horry County Fire Rescue responded to a small kitchen fire at a multi-unit residence on Bog Drive in Conway. The fire triggered the sprinkler system, which effectively controlled the fire. Although there were no injuries, the water from the sprinkler activation caused electrical damage affecting multiple residential units. Consequently, nine people were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross. This incident illustrates how sprinklers mitigate fire damage and highlights the need for readiness to address subsequent water and electrical hazards.
Link to original article: WPDE
Marlborough Fire Department responds to house fire
Location:Â Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
Summary:
On February 8, 2025, Marlborough firefighters responded to a fire alarm activation at Dumais Properties, a rooming house at 34 Central Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire contained by the building’s sprinkler system. The sprinkler system, mandated by Massachusetts law for rooming houses, effectively limited the fire to the room of origin. Fire crews quickly extinguished the remaining flames. There was some water damage to lower units. The cause remains under investigation, emphasizing the crucial role of sprinklers in multi-occupant residential buildings.
Link to original article: Community Advocate
MD State Fire Marshal Investigating Fire in Cell at ECI in Westover
Location:Â Westover, Maryland, USA
Summary:
On February 3, 2025, a fire broke out in an unoccupied cell at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover. The fire originated in a cardboard box containing clothes and paperwork. The facility’s sprinkler system activated, successfully suppressing the fire. Although no injuries occurred, the cell became unusable pending repairs, with damage estimated at $1,000. This event underscores the importance of sprinkler protection in institutional occupancies for limiting damage and ensuring rapid fire containment.
Link to original article: WGMD
New Albany, Myrtle firefighters doused Diversity Vuteq fire
Location:Â New Albany, Mississippi, USA
Summary:
On February 1, 2025, New Albany and Myrtle firefighters responded to an early morning automatic sprinkler activation at Diversity Vuteq on Munsford Drive. The facility’s fire pump and sprinkler system successfully isolated the fire to one machine until firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. Significant smoke filled the building, requiring ventilation by fire crews in collaboration with facility maintenance. No injuries were reported. The event highlights the critical role sprinkler systems play in industrial occupancies by containing fires and reducing overall damage.
Link to original article: New Albany Gazette
Smoking Materials Spark Apartment Fire In Elkridge
Location:Â Elkridge, Maryland, USA
Summary:
On February 12, 2025, firefighters from Howard County responded to a small apartment fire on Robinson Jefferson Drive caused by improperly extinguished smoking materials. The fire triggered the activation of the building's sprinkler system, which effectively contained the fire. No injuries were reported. Fire officials emphasized the importance of proper disposal of smoking materials and recommended using ashtrays or buckets filled with sand. This incident reinforces the critical role sprinklers play in preventing fires from spreading within multifamily residential occupancies.
Link to original article: Ellicott City, MD Patch
Sprinkler successfully suppresses Fleet flat fire
Location:Â Fleet, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Summary:
Firefighters responded to a residential flat fire in Fleet, Hampshire, UK, on February 2, 2025. A small fire activated the building's sprinkler system, effectively suppressing the fire and limiting damage to the area of origin. Additionally, a closed fire door prevented smoke from spreading to other parts of the building. Although no injuries were reported, water damage occurred, and fire crews isolated water and power supplies and ventilated the premises. Firefighters also provided fire safety information to residents. This incident highlights the effectiveness of combined passive and active fire protection measures, including sprinklers and fire doors, in residential buildings.
Link to original article: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service
Two displaced after fire breaks out at DC apartment
Location:Â Washington, D.C., USA
Summary:
On February 7, 2025, firefighters responded to a fire at an apartment building on M Street NE, Washington, D.C. The fire, which displaced two occupants, was quickly contained due to the activation of the building’s sprinkler system. The occupants evacuated safely without injury. Fire investigators continue to look into the cause of the fire. The incident reinforces the important role of fire sprinklers in multifamily residential properties, significantly limiting potential damage and protecting residents.
Link to original article: DC News Now
These recent incidents highlight how fire sprinklers serve as an indispensable fire protection measure in various occupancies, from hotels and multifamily residential buildings to institutional and commercial facilities. While firefighters remain critical responders, sprinklers provide immediate suppression, significantly reducing fire impact before help arrives. The continued advocacy for fire sprinkler installation in new and existing buildings will enhance fire safety and protect lives across communities.
References
Ayotte, R. (2025, February 9). Marlborough Fire Department responds to house fire. Community Advocate. https://www.communityadvocate.com/2025/02/09/marlborough-fire-department-responds-to-house-fire/
Danley-Greiner, K. (2025, February 14). Smoking materials spark apartment fire in Elkridge. Ellicott City, MD Patch. https://patch.com/maryland/ellicottcity/smoking-materials-spark-apartment-fire-elkridge
Fields, O. (2025, February 7). Two displaced after fire breaks out at DC apartment. DC News Now. https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/two-displaced-after-fire-breaks-out-at-dc-apartment/
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. (2025, February 2). Sprinkler successfully suppresses Fleet flat fire. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/incident/sprinkler-successfully-suppresses-fleet-flat-fire/
Owen, M. (2025, February 2). Kitchen fire displaces 9 in Conway. WPDE. https://wpde.com/news/local/kitchen-fire-displaces-9-in-conway
WGMD. (2025, February 4). MD State Fire Marshal investigating fire in cell at ECI in Westover. WGMD. https://www.wgmd.com/md-state-fire-marshal-investigating-fire-in-cell-at-eci-in-westover/
Wiesner, H. (2025, February 1). New Albany, Myrtle firefighters doused Diversity Vuteq fire. New Albany Gazette. https://www.djournal.com/new-albany/new-albany-myrtle-firefighters-doused-diversity-vuteq-fire/article_1138abe2-e0ec-11ef-837f-e33949818132.html
WHDH Staff. (2025, February 6). Six people rescued from Somerville hotel fire. WHDH 7News. https://whdh.com/news/i-couldnt-see-my-hand-in-front-of-my-face-six-people-rescued-from-somerville-hotel-fire/
WesternSlopeNow. (2025, February 10). DoubleTree Hotel fire contained by sprinkler system. WesternSlopeNow.com. https://www.westernslopenow.com/news/local-news/fire/doubletree-hotel-fire-contained-by-sprinkler-system/
WENY News. (2025, February 10). E-bike battery blamed for Ithaca apartment fire. WENY News. https://www.weny.com/story/52348904/ebike-battery-blamed-for-ithaca-apartment-fire
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. (2025, February 15). Air fryer fire caused by online cleaning hack. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. https://www.dwfire.org.uk/news/air-fryer-fire-caused-by-online-cleaning-hack/
CBS Austin. (2025, February 9). Austin Fire Department swiftly extinguishes apartment kitchen fire with sprinkler system. CBS Austin. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-fire-department-swiftly-extinguishes-apartment-kitchen-fire-with-sprinkler-system
WENY News. (2025, February 10). E-bike battery blamed for Ithaca apartment fire. WENY News. https://www.weny.com/story/52348904/ebike-battery-blamed-for-ithaca-apartment-fire
syracuse.com. (2025, February 13). Huge Amazon warehouse in Clay remains closed due to fire damage, sprinkler repairs. syracuse.com. https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2025/02/huge-amazon-warehouse-in-clay-remains-closed-due-to-fire-damage-sprinkler-repairs.html
WCAX. (2025, February 15). Burlington firefighters respond to UVM dorm fire. WCAX. Retrieved from https://www.wcax.com/2025/02/15/burlington-firefighters-respond-uvm-dorm-fire/
TAPinto Westfield. (2025, February 8). Firefighters extinguish early morning basement fire at spa in Westfield. TAPinto Westfield. Retrieved from https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/police-and-fire/articles/firefighters-extinguish-early-morning-basement-fire-at-spa-in-westfield
Picton Gazette. (2025, February 11). Fire at The Royal. The Picton Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.pictongazette.ca/post/fire-at-the-royal
9News. (2025, February 6). Fire at Centennial senior living center called suspicious. 9News.com. Retrieved from https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/fire-centennial-crossing-senior-living/73-5321f125-b7b1-44fd-ad20-2343d14dbec1
MyNewsLA.com. (2025, February 1). Fire in senior complex displaces three people in Riverside. MyNewsLA.com. Retrieved from https://mynewsla.com/riverside/2025/02/01/fire-in-senior-complex-displaces-three-people-in-riverside/
WGMD. (2025, February 4). MD State Fire Marshal investigating fire in cell at ECI in Westover. WGMD. https://www.wgmd.com/md-state-fire-marshal-investigating-fire-in-cell-at-eci-in-westover/
​​​​​​​​​