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Fire Sprinkler Saves: February 2025 - Part 2

  • Writer: Tim Spears
    Tim Spears
  • Mar 22
  • 9 min read


Automatic fire sprinkler systems continue to prove highly effective in saving lives and minimizing property damage. Fire sprinkler systems are engineered to detect heat from fires and activate quickly, releasing water directly onto a fire, typically extinguishing or controlling the fire before firefighters arrive. Studies show that sprinklers reduce fire-related fatalities and property damage.


The following summaries of recent fire incidents illustrate how sprinkler systems have successfully mitigated fires across diverse occupancy types and locations:


Recent Sprinkler Saves:


40-Year-Old Woman Hospitalized for Smoke Inhalation After Fire in Hotel Room


Location: Chatsworth, California, United States


Summary:A fire occurred in a guest room at the Holiday Inn hotel in Chatsworth, California. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded around 7:30 p.m. to reports of smoke coming from a room. Firefighters found a fire confined to a couch, which was effectively controlled by the activation of the hotel's fire sprinkler system. This activation prevented the fire from spreading beyond the initial point of ignition. One occupant, a 40-year-old woman, was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. No additional injuries or property damage was reported.


Link to original article: MyNewsLA.com


Apartment Fire Displaces Six


Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States


Summary:Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fire in a three-story multifamily residential building on North Frederick Avenue. The fire originated in the kitchen area of an apartment and was quickly contained by the residential fire sprinkler system. While no injuries were reported, two apartments suffered water damage due to sprinkler activation, resulting in the displacement of six residents. The building was evacuated as a precaution.


Link to original article: The MoCo Show


EBF Kitchen Catches Fire


Location: Palo Alto, California, United States


Summary:A fire erupted in the commercial kitchen of the Enchanted Broccoli Forest (EBF), an arts-themed cooperative house near Stanford University. The fire alarm system activated around 3:30 a.m., alerting residents to evacuate. The fire sprinkler system successfully contained and extinguished the fire before significant damage could occur or spread further. No injuries were reported, and air quality post-incident was confirmed safe by Palo Alto Fire Department.


Link to original article: The Stanford Daily


Fire Damages $5 Million Frenchmen Street Tourist Attraction JAMNOLA


Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States


Summary:An electrical fire broke out early morning within an unfinished exhibit—a giant alligator sculpture—at the JAMNOLA immersive art attraction, under renovation on Frenchmen Street. The New Orleans Fire Department responded quickly, and a strategically placed fire sprinkler head inside the sculpture's mouth suppressed the fire, significantly limiting its spread. The fire resulted in an estimated $50,000 in damage, primarily from fire and water exposure. No injuries were reported, and prompt sprinkler activation was credited with preventing further destruction of other valuable exhibits and artwork under construction.


Link to original article: NOLA.com


Fire Displaces Residents of 925 Main St.


Location: Keokuk, Iowa, United States


Summary:The Keokuk Fire Department responded to a fire on the second floor of a multifamily residential building at 925 Main Street. Upon entry, firefighters found heavy smoke and confirmed that two activated fire sprinkler heads were effectively controlling the fire within one apartment. Although the fire was contained quickly, nine apartments sustained water damage, leading to tenant displacement. No injuries were reported, and residents of unaffected apartments were allowed back once the sprinkler system was restored.


Link to original article: Daily Gate City


Firefighters extinguish fire at document management company


Location: Toledo, Ohio, United States


Summary:The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire alarm at Document Management Solutions, a commercial facility in north Toledo. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and a minor fire in the center of the building. The facility's fire sprinkler system had activated effectively, preventing significant damage and controlling the fire. The primary impact reported was water damage, particularly to stored paper documents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is not considered suspicious.


Link to original article: WTOL.com


Kitchen fire causes thousands in damage to Duluth apartment


Location: Duluth, Minnesota, United States


Summary:A kitchen fire at Midtowne Manor apartments resulted in approximately $10,000 in damage. Duluth Fire Department crews arrived to find the fire largely controlled by the building's fire sprinkler system, which had suppressed about 75% of the blaze. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire, which was contained to the originating apartment. Although no injuries occurred, adjacent units experienced water damage from sprinkler activation. The incident's cause is under investigation but not believed suspicious.


Link to original article: WDIO.com


Large fire response to Proctor condo complex

Location: Proctor, Minnesota, United States

Summary:Firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Botanical Gardens condominium complex in Proctor, Minnesota. The building's sprinkler system effectively contained the fire, preventing widespread damage. The fire affected two apartments, causing them to become uninhabitable primarily due to water damage from the sprinkler system. One firefighter sustained minor injuries; no residents were injured during the incident.

Link to original article: Northern News Now


Narrow escape for 170 as fire breaks out during 'Chhaava' screening at south Delhi theatre


Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India


Summary:A fire broke out at the PVR Cinemas located in Select CityWalk mall in Saket, South Delhi, during a movie screening. Quick actions from cinema staff and rapid deployment of fire safety measures, including sprinkler activation and the use of a fire hose reel, prevented the fire from spreading extensively. All 170 patrons were safely evacuated with no reported injuries. Firefighters brought the fire under control rapidly, and subsequent cooling operations prevented any reignition. The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, prompted investigations into cinema fire safety measures.


Link to original article: The Times of India


Plume of smoke visible from fire at Aurora warehouse near Denver airport


Location: Aurora, Colorado, United States


Summary:Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a significant fire at a warehouse near Denver International Airport. The fire started in the loading dock area due to a malfunctioning refrigeration unit on a semi-trailer, destroying two semi-trucks and damaging two others. The warehouse's sprinkler system, along with firefighting efforts, successfully contained the blaze, preventing further property loss or injuries. The fire caused a large plume of smoke visible from across the city. No injuries were reported, and the fire was determined to be accidental.


Link to original article: 9news.com


University accommodation evacuated following fire


Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom


Summary:A fire broke out in the kitchen of Belaton House, a university accommodation facility in Bournemouth. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly, but the fire was already extinguished upon arrival by the building's activated sprinkler system. Residents were evacuated safely, and fire crews used ventilation fans to clear smoke from the building. No injuries or further property damage were reported.


Link to original article: Daily Echo


Rebellion NC recovering after fire closed down restaurant


Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, United States


Summary:A small fire occurred at Rebellion NC, a popular restaurant in Downtown Wilmington. Firefighters responded to an early morning fire alarm and found that the restaurant's sprinkler system had successfully extinguished the fire, limiting damage. The restaurant sustained minimal damage and plans to reopen shortly. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: WECT.com


Saturday House Fire Ruled Accidental


Location: Claymont, Delaware, United States


Summary:The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office determined a townhouse fire in Claymont, Delaware, to be accidental, caused by a candle igniting furniture. The Claymont Fire Company found the fire contained by the activation of a single sprinkler head upon arrival. The fire damage was confined to one piece of furniture, estimated at approximately $1,000, and no injuries were reported.


Link to original article: First State Update


Southwest Madison residents displaced after apartment complex fire


Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States


Summary:Residents of an apartment complex in southwest Madison were displaced due to a kitchen fire. Occupants evacuated after a sprinkler head activated automatically, extinguishing a grease fire caused by cooking. Firefighters reported no injuries, but water damage affected multiple units. Fire officials reminded residents about the dangers of using water on grease fires and recommended safer alternatives like covering the pan or turning off the heat source.


Link to original article: WMTV NBC15


Sprinkler system prevents serious fire at Nottingham student accommodation


Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom


Summary:A fire involving an air fryer broke out in a communal kitchen at a student accommodation facility in Nottingham. The building’s sprinkler system activated immediately, preventing the fire from spreading and significantly limiting damage. All occupants were safely evacuated, and only one individual required treatment for smoke inhalation. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue highlighted the importance of sprinkler systems and issued safety warnings regarding the increasing occurrence of fires involving air fryers.


Link to original article: West Bridgford Wire


Sprinklers Limit Fire Damages at Ashburn Residential Complex


Location: Ashburn, Virginia, United States


Summary:Loudoun County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire alarm at a multifamily residential building in Ashburn. Upon arrival, crews discovered that the building’s automatic sprinkler system had already extinguished a fire in a garage area, where combustible materials had ignited due to insufficient airflow around a golf cart’s battery charger. No injuries occurred, and fire damage was limited to the immediate area, estimated at $7,000. Authorities emphasized the critical role sprinkler systems play in significantly reducing property damage and protecting lives.


Link to original article: Ashburn, VA Patch


Terrifying footage captures moment man sets fire to his own flat


Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom


Summary:Nedjo Osmanovic deliberately started a fire in his own apartment by igniting a petrol-soaked towel, causing approximately £8,000 worth of damage. Despite the severity of the arson, no injuries occurred, largely due to effective fire safety measures including a fire alarm, sprinkler system, and fire-rated doors within the building. Osmanovic was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. Authorities noted the sprinkler system and alarms significantly reduced the risk to life.


Link to original article: Manchester Evening News


Tipp City Fire & EMS respond to DAP fire


Location: Tipp City, Ohio, United States


Summary:Tipp City Fire & Emergency Services responded to a fire at DAP’s facility, specifically in a section known as the "gas house," where aerosol cans are filled with liquid propane gas (LPG). The building's sprinkler system activated promptly, controlling and limiting the spread of fire. Quick responses by both plant personnel and firefighters ensured no injuries occurred and the fire remained contained. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, and damage estimates were not immediately available.


Link to original article: Tippecanoe Gazette


West Village fire burns through rooftop on Manhattan apartment building in NYC


Location: Manhattan, New York, United States


Summary:A significant rooftop fire occurred at an apartment building in Manhattan's West Village neighborhood. Over 100 firefighters responded to the blaze, which originated on a rooftop patio and spread to an adjacent penthouse. While the fire was mostly controlled by the building's sprinkler system, significant water damage affected lower apartments. All occupants were evacuated safely, with seven adults receiving assistance from the Red Cross for temporary housing. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


Link to original article: ABC7 New York


Woman severely burned in St. Paul fire believed to have been intentionally set dies from injuries


Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States


Summary:A woman critically injured in an intentionally set apartment fire in St. Paul has died from her injuries. Firefighters, responding to a sprinkler activation alarm, discovered heavy smoke and active sprinklers, along with the critically injured woman. The fire's cause remains under investigation, but authorities believe it was intentional. Notably, several smoke detectors were found disabled or with missing batteries. The incident highlights the essential role of sprinkler systems in preventing broader fire damage and the importance of maintaining functioning smoke alarms.


Link to original article: KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News


These incidents reinforce the invaluable role of automatic fire sprinkler systems in safeguarding lives and minimizing economic losses.


Investing in sprinkler systems isn't just a regulatory compliance—it’s a proven strategy for protecting lives, property, and community resilience.


References





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