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Fire Sprinkler Saves: January 1-15, 2025 Edition

Writer's picture: Tim SpearsTim Spears
Feb 211 min read


Fire sprinkler systems are among the most effective tools for preventing property damage, injuries, and fatalities in fires. These systems work by automatically detecting heat and releasing water to suppress flames before they spread. Properly installed and maintained fire sprinkler systems can reduce fire deaths and fire-related property damage in structures where they are present.


This article highlights recent fire incidents where sprinkler systems played a important role in containing blazes and preventing further destruction. These real-world examples emphasize the importance of fire sprinklers in various settings, including residential buildings, commercial properties, and institutional facilities.


Recent Fire Sprinkler Saves


Fire at Parma Care Center Nursing Home


Location: Parma, Ohio, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the basement of the Parma Care Center, a 96-bed nursing home and rehabilitation facility, on Monday at approximately 5 p.m. The facility’s sprinkler system successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Firefighters arrived to find the fire controlled by the sprinklers and fully extinguished the flames. No injuries or displacements occurred. The fire department emphasized the effectiveness of well-maintained fire suppression and alarm systems in mitigating fire risks. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


Link to original article: Fox8 News


Fire at Ramanathapuram Hospital Causes Evacuation; Patients Safe


Location: Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India


Summary: A fire caused by an electrical short circuit in the panel room of the Government Ramanathapuram Medical College Hospital led to emergency evacuations. The fire, which originated on the second floor, spread smoke to the third and fourth floors. Hospital staff quickly evacuated patients, including ICU patients, to safety. The fire alarm system activated the sprinklers, which played a crucial role in containing the blaze. Fire and Rescue Services personnel quickly extinguished the residual flames and dispersed the smoke. No injuries were reported, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.


Link to original article: EdexLive News


Dryer Fire at Yorkville Apartment Complex Contained by Sprinkler System


Location: Yorkville, Illinois, USA


Summary: A dryer fire broke out late Monday night in an apartment complex in Yorkville. The Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District responded to the fire around 11:40 p.m. However, the building's sprinkler system extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived, limiting damage to a single dryer. All residents evacuated safely. Fire crews removed the affected dryer, checked for any additional fire spread, ventilated the building, and assisted with water intrusion in an adjacent unit. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


Link to original article: Wspynews


Fire at Crystal City Sports Pub Contained by Sprinkler System


Location: Arlington, Virginia, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning on the enclosed patio of the Crystal City Sports Pub. The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:30 a.m. The fire was effectively contained by the building’s sprinkler system, preventing its spread into the main structure. Firefighters fully extinguished the fire upon arrival. Security footage revealed thick smoke and growing flames before suppression. Additional fire damage was found in adjacent businesses, and authorities are investigating the incident as suspicious, possibly arson-related. The Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking public assistance in the investigation.


Link to original article: WUSA9


Firefighters Rescue Resident from Santa Rosa Transitional Housing Complex Fire


Location: Santa Rosa, California, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in an apartment at St. Vincent de Paul Commons, a transitional housing complex with 50 units. Santa Rosa firefighters responded to an alarm around 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from an apartment and heard screaming from inside. The fire, which originated from a burning couch in the front room, was contained by the building’s sprinkler system, preventing its spread. Firefighters rescued a trapped woman from the smoke-filled unit. The resident was evaluated on-site and declined hospital transport. The fire caused smoke and water damage, rendering the unit temporarily uninhabitable. Fire officials credited the sprinkler and alarm systems for preventing a more significant disaster. The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears accidental.


Link to original article: The Press Democrat


Firefighters Tackle Caulfield Racecourse Fire


Location: Caulfield, Victoria, Australia


Summary: A fire broke out in the grandstand at Caulfield Racecourse early in the morning, affecting the Norman Robinson Stand and the 1876 Bar. The fire response escalated to a third alarm, with over 65 firefighters and 17 appliances working to contain the blaze. The sprinkler system played a important role in preventing fire extension to adjoining structures. No injuries were reported among employees or the public. Authorities have deemed the fire suspicious, and Victoria Police have taken over the investigation.


Link to original article: Fire Rescue Victoria


Gainesville Fire Rescue Puts Out Apartment Fire; No Injuries Reported


Location: Gainesville, Florida, USA


Summary: Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a fire on the eighth floor of an apartment building on West University Avenue. The fire was quickly extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported, but several units sustained water damage. The fire originated in the laundry room and is believed to have been caused by a vacuum cleaner. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.


Link to original article: WCJB News


Fire, Minor Damage Reported at Smithfield Wisconsin Plant


Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at the Smithfield dry sausage and bacon processing plant, prompting an emergency response around 7:26 a.m. The building’s sprinkler system contained the fire, preventing extensive damage. Fire crews fully extinguished the flames upon arrival. One employee was hospitalized for minor smoke inhalation but was later released. The fire was confined to machinery in a single room, and operations at the plant were unaffected. Authorities continue to investigate the cause.


Link to original article: Meat+Poultry


Kettering Department Store TK Maxx Remains Closed After Fire


Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom


Summary: An electrical fire in an electrical panel at the TK Maxx department store in the Newlands Centre triggered the fire alarm and activated the fire sprinkler system. The fire caused smoke to spread through the shopping mall, leading to the evacuation of shoppers and staff. Damage assessment is ongoing, and the store remains closed until further notice. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: Northants Telegraph


LAFD Extinguishes Fire at Los Alamos Cantina/Pyramid Café


Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the shared kitchen of Los Alamos Cantina and Pyramid Café at Central Park Square. The fire alarm system alerted emergency responders, and the building's sprinkler system activated before the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) arrived. Crews contained the fire within 40 minutes, preventing damage to adjacent businesses. No injuries were reported, and fire investigators are determining the cause.


Link to original article: Los Alamos Daily Post


LAFD Knocks Down Basement Dumpster Fire in High-Rise


Location: Los Angeles, California, USA


Summary: A dumpster fire in the basement of a 38-story high-rise in Westlake triggered the fire alarm system and activated sprinklers on multiple floors. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded at 5:39 a.m. and fully extinguished the fire by 6:18 a.m. Firefighters worked with building engineers to ventilate smoke, ensuring occupant safety. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: MyNewsLA


HFD Responds to a Building Fire on Nimitz Highway


Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA


Summary: The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) responded to a fire at a commercial building on North Nimitz Highway. A single sprinkler activated in the kitchen area, containing the fire before firefighters arrived. The fire was fully extinguished using a fire extinguisher. Fire investigators are determining the cause. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: KITV News


Mountain View Firefighters Extinguish Oven Fire in Apartment Building


Location: Mountain View, California, USA


Summary: A fire caused by unattended cooking broke out in a first-floor apartment of a two-story building on Oaktree Drive. The fire generated enough heat to activate the sprinkler system, which contained the flames before firefighters arrived. Fire crews fully extinguished the fire, deactivated the sprinkler system, and used thermal imaging to confirm no further spread. Due to water damage, the resident was relocated. The fire was deemed accidental, with estimated damages of $25,000.


Link to original article: Mountain View Voice


North Suffolk Business Catches Fire


Location: Suffolk, Virginia, USA


Summary: Suffolk Police responded to a burglar alarm at a business on Harbour Town Parkway and discovered water inside the premises. Suffolk Fire & Rescue arrived to find light smoke and a kitchen fire that had been fully suppressed by a single sprinkler head. Firefighters ventilated the structure and secured the water. Moderate fire damage was contained to the kitchen, with moderate smoke and water damage throughout the building. The cause is under investigation, and the business remains closed for repairs.


Link to original article: The Suffolk News-Herald


Person Seriously Injured After Fire in Prison Cell at Spring Hill Corrections Facility


Location: Waikato, New Zealand


Summary: A fire broke out in a prison cell at Spring Hill Corrections Facility. The facility’s sprinkler system activated, extinguishing the fire before it could spread. Prison staff responded immediately and removed the affected individual, who suffered serious smoke inhalation and was transported to Waikato Hospital. No other prisoners or staff were impacted. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the inmate responsible will face internal misconduct charges.


Link to original article: RNZ News


Monroe County Courthouse Fire Update


Location: Union, West Virginia, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at the Monroe County Courthouse in the early morning hours. The sprinkler system successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. However, water from firefighting efforts caused significant damage. The courthouse’s record room suppression system, designed to protect documents, did not activate, indicating that the area remained smoke-free. While the courthouse remains closed for repairs, temporary county offices have been established. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


Link to original article: Real WV


Rutherford Man Arrested, Charged with Setting Fire at Bergen Hotel


Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA


Summary: A guest at the Fairfield Inn in East Rutherford set fire to a hotel room following a dispute with staff. The fire activated the building’s sprinkler system, which helped contain the flames until firefighters arrived. The hotel was safely evacuated, and no guests were harmed. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated arson and criminal mischief. The fire caused property damage, and an investigation remains ongoing.


Link to original article: North Jersey


Sprinkler Douses Uptown East Apartment Fire; Resident Suffers Burns, Cat Rescued


Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in an Uptown East apartment due to a couch fire. The building’s sprinkler system activated, partially extinguishing the flames before firefighters arrived. Fire crews completed extinguishment with minimal additional water usage. A resident suffered burns and was transported to the hospital, while a cat was rescued from the unit. The fire is under investigation by the Valparaiso Fire Department.


Link to original article: Chicago Tribune


Sprinkler System Credited with Containing Apartment Fire in Kaukauna


Location: Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: A fire broke out on a second-floor balcony at Lamplighter Apartments. A single sprinkler head extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived, preventing it from spreading into the attic or other units. The Kaukauna Fire Department credited the sprinkler system with minimizing property damage and potentially saving lives. The cause is under investigation, with officials reminding residents about proper disposal of smoking materials.


Link to original article: Kaukauna Community News


Port Washington Hotel Fire; Sprinkler System Minimizes Damage


Location: Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the kitchen of the Harborview Hotel restaurant. Firefighters arrived to find the fire already fully extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. The system prevented fire spread beyond the kitchen, significantly limiting damage. The restaurant was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Guests were temporarily evacuated but were allowed to return. The cause remains under investigation.


Link to original article: FOX6 Milwaukee


Surrey Walmart Location Closed Due to Fire in Store


Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada


Summary: A fire broke out in the clothing section of a Walmart located in Surrey’s Central City shopping center. The store’s sprinkler system activated and mostly extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived. Crews responded to the scene around 1:40 p.m. An investigation into the cause is ongoing, and officials have not determined whether the fire was suspicious. The store remains closed pending further inspection.


Link to original article: CityNews Vancouver


Sprinkler System Extinguishes Fire at Choffin Career and Technical Center


Location: Youngstown, Ohio, USA


Summary: A fire broke out on the second floor of Choffin Career and Technical Center on Sunday night, leading to the cancellation of Monday’s classes. The school’s sprinkler system fully extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived. Officials are investigating two possible causes, and no one was inside the building at the time. Cleanup efforts are underway to address water damage.


Link to original article: WFMJ News


YMCA Back to Normal Operations After Saturday Fires


Location: Easton, Maryland, USA


Summary: The Easton YMCA experienced two separate fires on Saturday, one in a second-floor closet and another in an HVAC unit on the roof. The first fire was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system before firefighters arrived, while the second was controlled with a fire extinguisher. Neither incident resulted in extensive damage. The YMCA temporarily closed but resumed normal operations the following day. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the first fire.


Link to original article: NewsBreak


Sprinkler System Helps Everett Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Apartment Fire


Location: Everett, Washington, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in a third-floor apartment at Station Place Apartments early Thursday morning. The building’s sprinkler system activated and controlled the flames until firefighters arrived. Fire crews fully extinguished the fire within 20 minutes. Seven residents were displaced, with the Red Cross providing assistance. Some units and a business space on the first floor sustained water damage. The fire remains under investigation.


Link to original article: KIRO 7 News Seattle


How Fire Sprinkler Systems Work


Fire sprinkler systems operate through heat-sensitive elements that detect rising temperatures. When a fire generates sufficient heat, the sprinkler nearest to the source activates, releasing water directly onto the flames. Unlike common misconceptions, sprinklers do not all activate at once; only those exposed to high temperatures discharge water, limiting damage to unaffected areas.


Fire sprinkler systems continue to prove their value in protecting people and property. These recent incidents demonstrate their effectiveness in various settings, including healthcare facilities, apartment buildings, businesses, and industrial sites. Investing in fire sprinkler systems is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a important measure for enhancing safety, minimizing property loss, and preserving lives.


For fire safety professionals, policymakers, and building owners, these success stories reinforce the importance of maintaining and expanding the use of sprinkler systems. Ongoing education, proper installation, and regular maintenance ensure that fire sprinklers continue to serve as a first line of defense against devastating fires.


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