Fire Sprinkler Saves: March 2025 - Part 2

When it comes to reducing community risk and improving fire safety, fire sprinkler systems are still one of the most dependable tools. These systems, when properly installed and maintained, often activate before the fire department is even on scene, controlling or even putting out a fire in its early stages.

As professionals in fire and building safety, we play a key role in promoting solutions that have a proven track record of protecting lives and limiting property loss.

This post is part of our continuing Risk Reduction Review blog series on real-world sprinkler activations. Each incident shared here is a clear reminder of how fire sprinklers do exactly what they’re designed to do: stop fire from spreading, reduce damage, and most importantly, save lives.

How Fire Sprinkler Systems Actually Work

There’s still a surprising amount of misunderstanding about how these systems operate. Sprinklers are activated by heat. Each sprinkler head contains a heat-sensitive element that reacts when temperatures hit around 155–165°F (68–74°C), which can vary based on the type of sprinkler head. When that happens, just that one sprinkler head activates, only the ones near the fire discharge water. It’s not a Hollywood scene where the entire building starts raining. That precise, localized response is what makes them so effective while minimizing unnecessary damage.

Why These Systems Matter

Let’s talk numbers. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the presence of sprinkler systems cuts the risk of dying in a fire by a staggering 90% (2024).

When it comes to property damage, the impact depends on the occupancy type. In homes, fires with sprinklers saw 55% less property damage on average compared to fires without them. The savings are even greater in some commercial settings: for example, store and office properties saw a 69% reduction, while public assembly occupancies saw a 66% reduction in average losses per fire (NFPA, 2024).

And that’s why stories like the ones below are worth telling. They remind us why it’s critical to advocate for proper system installation and maintenance in every type of occupancy, from high-rise apartments to restaurants and warehouses.

Late March 2025 Sprinkler Saves:

Fire at Lakewood Senior Facility Displaces 39, Sends One to Hospital

Location: Lakewood, New Jersey, United States

Summary:

A fire broke out on the fifth floor of Leisure Park, a senior living facility offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The fire triggered the activation of the building’s fire sprinkler system, which played a important role in controlling the incident. Emergency responders evacuated 39 residents, and one individual was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide exposure. The facility’s fire protection systems limited the extent of the damage, and displaced residents were temporarily housed in vacant areas of the building.

Link to original article: Patch

Sprinkler System Extinguishes Fire at Bismarck Commercial Building

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota, United States

Summary:

The Bismarck Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a commercial building on Lockheed Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke. A fire on the second floor had already been extinguished by the building’s automatic sprinkler system, limiting the fire damage to the room of origin and minimizing losses. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental.

Link to original article: KXNET

Anchorage Pioneer Home Fire Quickly Contained by Sprinklers

Location: Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Summary:

A fire broke out late at night in a resident's room at the Anchorage Pioneer Home, a long-term care facility. The sprinkler system activated immediately, containing the fire before it could spread. While no injuries were reported, 10 residents were temporarily relocated due to water and fire damage. The incident highlighted the effectiveness of fire sprinklers in reducing harm and enabling prompt emergency response.

Link to original article: Must Read Alaska

Charlotte Senior Facility Fire Contained by Sprinklers

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Summary:

A fire in a multi-story senior living facility on Fairview Road was contained to a single apartment unit after the building’s sprinkler system activated. The fire was controlled within 55 minutes, limiting damage primarily to water exposure. The fire was traced to discarded smoking debris. No injuries were reported, and only one resident required relocation. The prompt sprinkler response prevented greater property loss, which was estimated at $100,000.

Link to original article: WCNC

Fire Sprinklers Contain Room Fire at South London Hotel

Location: London, Ontario, Canada

Summary:

A fire broke out in a first-floor hotel room at a south-end London hotel located on Wellington Road. Crews responded to a monitored fire alarm and found the building's sprinkler system already activated, successfully containing the fire to the room of origin. While no injuries occurred, the fire resulted in approximately $190,000 in damage. Smoke and water damage extended to seven additional rooms and a hallway, requiring ventilation of the first and second floors. The fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

Link to original article: CTV News

Sprinkler System Activates in Downtown Winchester Fire

Location: Winchester, Kentucky, United States

Summary:

A structure fire at 5 W. Broadway was reported in the afternoon and responded to by Winchester Fire Department. The fire alarm and smoke detector activated prior to fire department arrival. Firefighters found the fire confined to a single room with minor smoke and heat damage. The sprinkler system had activated and effectively limited the fire's spread. While water damage was noted, no injuries occurred, and one family was displaced and temporarily housed with Red Cross assistance.

Link to original article: Winchester Sun

Sprinklers Contain Fire at Stoneham Commercial Building

Location: Stoneham, Massachusetts, United States

Summary:

Late Monday night, a fire broke out in a one-story commercial building on Maple Street that was under renovation. Fire alarms activated, and as crews entered, the sprinkler system also activated. The fire was quickly knocked down and confined to a small area, with no injuries reported. While fire damage was minimal, the sprinklers caused water damage that required cleanup.

Link to original article: Boston 25 News

Sprinkler System Extinguishes Fire in Palm Harbor Apartment

Location: Palm Harbor, Florida, United States

Summary:

At approximately 4:10 a.m., a fire ignited in an apartment at The Vue Lake Tarpon when a female occupant fell asleep while smoking in bed. The fire alarm sounded, prompting a neighbor to break down the door and rescue the resident. The fire sprinkler system extinguished the fire before it could spread. The occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Link to original article: IONTB

Sprinkler System Activates During Popcorn Machine Fire at Movie Tavern

Location: Flourtown, Pennsylvania, United States

Summary:

Flourtown and Oreland fire companies responded to a kitchen appliance fire at the Movie Tavern in the Flourtown Shopping Center. A professional-grade popcorn machine caught fire, activating the kitchen’s sprinkler system. Firefighters encountered light to medium smoke and successfully controlled the situation. Minimal damage occurred thanks to quick staff action and the fire protection systems. The building was closed temporarily for cleaning and health inspection but was expected to reopen soon.

Link to original article: Glenside Local

Forklift Fire in Muncy Township Warehouse Extinguished by Sprinkler

Location: Muncy Township, Pennsylvania, United States

Summary:

A forklift fire broke out in the shop area of TechnipFMC, an energy company warehouse. The fire was extinguished by two activated sprinkler heads before firefighters arrived. Smoke and heat triggered the fire alarm system, allowing a rapid response. The fire destroyed the forklift but did not spread further, and the company resumed operations the following day. Fire officials emphasized that the fire alarm and sprinkler system prevented a potentially catastrophic event.

Link to original article: Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Home Fire Sprinklers Stop House Fire in Granby

 Location: Granby, Massachusetts, USA

 Summary:

A fire in a Granby home caused by a lithium polymer battery left unattended in a charger was successfully extinguished by a home fire sprinkler system. The fire occurred in a structure without hydrants nearby, highlighting the value of residential sprinklers. Damage was limited to the immediate area of origin. Officials emphasized using only manufacturer-approved charging equipment and avoiding unattended charging. No injuries were reported.

 Link to original article: Mass.gov

Discarded Cigarette Causes Apartment Fire Extinguished by Sprinklers

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Summary:

An improperly discarded cigarette caused a fire on a third-floor apartment deck in Madison. The building’s sprinkler system activated from a water flow alarm on the fourth floor and successfully suppressed the fire, limiting damage to a deck chair and siding. The quick activation of the sprinkler system prevented the displacement of residents and minimized structural damage.

Link to original article: Channel 3000

Lithium Battery Blamed for Salina Hotel Fire

 Location: Salina, Kansas, USA

 Summary:

A rechargeable flashlight’s lithium battery caused a fire at the Rodeway Inn & Suites in Salina. The fire began in a third-floor room but was quickly contained by the hotel’s sprinkler system. Smoke was observed by fire crews on arrival. Water damage extended to rooms on lower floors. No injuries were reported, and the fire was isolated thanks to the activation of the fire suppression system.

 Link to original article: KSN News

Sprinkler System Controls Fire in Commercial Building with Flammable Liquids

Location: South Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

Summary:

Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at a commercial building on Docks Corner Road early Friday morning. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy smoke and identified that the facility contained flammable liquids. Fortunately, the fire had been extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system before it could escalate. No injuries were reported, and several fire and hazardous materials units assisted in the response.

Link to original article: TAPinto

Sprinkler Activation Contains Fire at Motel 6 in Clairmont

Location: Clairmont, Alberta, Canada

Summary:

Fire crews from multiple departments responded to a fire at the Motel 6 in Clairmont. Smoke was observed on the third and fourth floors, with the fire originating from a third-floor room. The building’s sprinkler system activated, successfully containing the fire and allowing for a quick response from firefighters. No injuries were reported, although guests were relocated for the night.

Link to original article: EverythingGP

Stove Fire at Riverfront Suites Quickly Controlled by Sprinkler

Location: Mankato, Minnesota, United States

Summary:

A stove fire at Riverfront Studio Suites was contained by a single activated sprinkler head. Upon arrival, firefighters found light smoke and quickly extinguished the remaining fire. Smoke detectors alerted residents, who safely evacuated. One apartment was impacted, with residents temporarily relocated.

Link to original article: Mankato Free Press

Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Kitchen Fire in Norwich

Location: Norwich, Connecticut, United States

Summary:

The Norwich Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on the third floor of a Hamilton Avenue apartment building. The building’s sprinkler system extinguished the fire before it could spread, but water damage from the activation affected multiple units. One resident was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and 10 people were displaced. The Red Cross provided assistance.

Link to original article: Norwich Bulletin

Sprinkler System Stops Kitchen Fire in Oregon Apartment

Location: Oregon, Wisconsin, United States

Summary:

A kitchen fire broke out in a multi-family residence on Oregon Center Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire had already been extinguished by an activated sprinkler head. Fire damage was limited to wall and cabinetry areas, with some smoke and water damage. One occupant sustained a minor injury but was not hospitalized. No residents were displaced. Fire officials credited the sprinkler system with preventing significant damage and ensuring occupant safety.

Link to original article: Oregon Observer

Sprinkler Activation Contains Arson Fire in Spokane Apartment

Location: Spokane, Washington, United States

Summary:

A fire set intentionally inside a second-floor bathroom at the Agnes Kehoe apartment building was partially suppressed by a hallway sprinkler head before fire crews arrived. The building was evacuated, and fire suppression was completed quickly. The resident was arrested by Spokane Police.

Link to original article: KXLY

Cooking Fire at Moorhead High Rise Suppressed by Sprinkler

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota, United States

Summary:

A morning cooking fire at a high-rise apartment building on 2nd Avenue North activated the sprinkler system, which quickly extinguished the fire. One person was hospitalized with minor injuries, and no residents were displaced. Cleanup and investigation followed.

Link to original article: WDAY Radio

Sprinkler Controls Apartment Fire in 10-Story Moncton Building

Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Summary:

A fire on the eighth floor of a 10-story apartment building at St. George and Cornhill streets was controlled by the sprinkler system. One person was rescued and hospitalized, and 19 units sustained smoke and water damage. The building was evacuated and supported by multiple emergency services.

Link to original article: Yahoo News Canada

Sprinkler Stops Fire at Elk Grove U.S. Postal Facility

Location: Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States

Summary:

A red-hot bolt ejected during grinding operations at a U.S. Postal sorting facility ignited nearby paper and cardboard. The fire was kept in check by the facility’s sprinkler system, preventing wider spread. No injuries occurred, and the building was safely evacuated.

Link to original article: Journal & Topics Media Group

Sprinkler System Helps Contain Fire at Woodbridge Townhouse

Location: Woodbridge, Virginia, United States

Summary:

Prince William County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire in stacked townhouses on Mason Creek Circle. The fire extended from ground level to the attic but was partially controlled by an exterior sprinkler. No injuries were reported. While the fire did not affect adjacent homes, two units were deemed unsafe to occupy, displacing four residents. The fire was determined to be electrical in origin. Fire officials praised the sprinkler system for minimizing damage and aiding firefighting efforts.

Link to original article: Patch

Sunday Morning Fire Does Limited Damage at ATC Drivetrain in Holland

 Location: Holland, Michigan, USA

 Summary:

An early morning fire at the ATC Drivetrain facility in Holland involved palletized materials containing lithium-ion vehicle battery packs. The fire alarm triggered the building’s automatic fire protection system, helping limit damage before firefighters arrived. Crews removed several crates of battery packs, with only one crate and packaging material involved in fire ignition. No injuries were reported, and the building was expected to resume operations soon.

 Link to original article: FOX 17 News

These real-life incidents reinforce something we already know: fire sprinklers work. Time and again, whether it’s a multifamily residential building, a senior living facility, a warehouse, or a manufacturing plant, sprinkler systems prove their worth in saving lives, limiting property loss, and easing the demand on fire crews.

References

McGree, T. (2024). National Fire Protection Association. U.S. Experience with Sprinklers. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Suppression/US-experience-with-sprinklers

FOX 17 News. (2025, March 30). Sunday morning fire does limited damage at ATC Drivetrain in Holland. FOX 17. https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/lakeshore/ottawa/sunday-morning-fire-does-limited-damage-at-atc-drivetrain-in-holland

Leayman, E. (2025, March 28). Sprinkler system helps contain fire at Woodbridge home. Patch. https://patch.com/virginia/woodbridge-va/sprinkler-system-helps-contain-fire-woodbridge-home

Robb, T. (2025, March 25). Red-hot bolt to blame for fire at Elk Grove U.S. Postal facility. Journal & Topics Media Group. https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/red-hot-bolt-to-blame-for-fire-at-elk-grove-u-s-postal-facility/

Cochrane, A. (2025, March 24). One person injured in apartment building fire: MFD. Yahoo News Canada. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/one-person-injured-apartment-building-172045185.html

Erickson, A. (2025, March 24). Person sent to the hospital after Moorhead fire. WDAY Radio. https://www.wdayradionow.com/news/local-news/person-hospitalized-after-moorhead-fire/

Ansures, T. (2025, April 5). One person arrested for intentionally setting fire in Agnes Kehoe apartment. KXLY. https://www.kxly.com/news/one-person-arrested-for-intentionally-setting-fire-in-agnes-kehoe-apartment/article_76a05887-bcc6-4060-9cd8-080af73bb518.html

Oregon Area Fire/EMS District. (2025, March 31). Occupant injured during March 30 apartment fire. Oregon Observer. https://www.oregonobserver.com/news/public_safety/occupant-injured-during-march-30-apartment-fire/article_89b9fb66-fec7-4de8-997e-3457460482ec.html

Ikramuddin, H. (2025, March 25). Norwich house fire sends 1 to the hospital, displaces 10: Officials. Darien Times. https://www.darientimes.com/news/article/norwich-ct-hamilton-ave-kitchen-fire-displaced-20239041.php

Linskey, C. (2025, March 25). Norwich Fire Department responds to fire in Hamilton Avenue apartment. Norwich Bulletin. https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/fire/2025/03/25/hamilton-avenue-norwich-ct-fire-apartment-building-kitchen-cause-victims/82650958007/

The Free Press. (2025, March 27). No one injured in stove fire at Riverfront Suites. Mankato Free Press. https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/no-one-injured-in-stove-fire-at-riverfront-suites/article_3e44ee8b-2ad3-4c06-a302-47955cb62240.html

Rolling, E. (2025, March 24). No injuries in Saturday night hotel fire. EverythingGP. https://everythinggp.com/2025/03/24/no-injuries-in-saturday-night-hotel-fire

Rakossy, R. (2025, March 29). Monmouth Junction firefighters put out fire at commercial building during early morning hours. TAPinto. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/south-brunswick/sections/police-and-fire/articles/monmouth-junction-firefighters-put-out-fire-at-commercial-building-during-early-morning-hours

Tornabene, J. (2025, March 17). Madison Fire Dept. credits sprinkler for quickly putting out apartment deck fire. WMTV15 News. https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/03/17/madison-fire-dept-credits-sprinkler-quickly-putting-out-apartment-deck-fire/

Newton, R. (2025, March 31). Lithium battery blamed for Salina hotel fire. KSN. https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/lithium-battery-blamed-for-salina-hotel-fire/

Moen, C. (2025, March 17). Improperly discarded cigarette causes deck fire at apartment on Madison's east side. Channel 3000. https://www.channel3000.com/news/improperly-discarded-cigarette-causes-deck-fire-at-apartment-on-madisons-east-side/article_d590511c-0341-11f0-aa58-a7d2325d122e.html

Department of Fire Services. (2025, March 21). Home fire sprinklers stop house fire in Granby. Mass.gov. https://www.mass.gov/news/home-fire-sprinklers-stop-house-fire-in-granby

Holmes, P. A. (2025, March 22). Forklift destroyed by fire in Muncy Township energy company warehouse. Williamsport Sun-Gazette. https://www.sungazette.com/news/police-fire-court/2025/03/forklift-destroyed-by-fire-in-muncy-township-energy-company-warehouse/

Genova, R. (2025, March 18). Flourtown, Oreland fire companies oust popcorn machine fire at Movie Tavern. Glenside Local. https://glensidelocal.com/flourtown-oreland-fire-companies-oust-popcorn-machine-fire-at-movie-tavern/

Hirschfield, S. (2025, March 27). Fire sprinkler system contains early morning fire in Palm Harbor at The Vue Lake Tarpon. IONTB. https://iontb.com/fire-sprinkler-system-contains-early-morning-fire-in-palm-harbor-at-the-vue-lake-tarpon/

Nazzaro, T. (2025, March 18). Fire in Stoneham commercial building prompts large emergency response. Boston 25 News. https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/middlesex-county/fire-stoneham-commercial-building-prompts-large-emergency-response/ZETV6ANX2NHHLDBTMW22TTNQHE/

Cizek, M. (2025, March 20). Fire hits downtown Winchester. Winchester Sun. https://winchestersun.com/2025/03/20/fire-hits-downtown-winchester/

Robertson, F. (2025, March 22). Fire at south London hotel. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/hotel-fire-causes-nearly-200k-in-damages/

Brierton, J. (2025, March 19). Fire at Charlotte senior living facility caused by smoking debris. WCNC. https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-fire-senior-living-facility-fairview-road/275-e4f5c93b-b144-4940-a3fd-78586c8a7712

Downing, S. (2025, March 28). Fire at Anchorage Pioneer Home quickly contained, no injuries reported. Must Read Alaska. https://mustreadalaska.com/fire-at-anchorage-pioneer-home-quickly-contained-no-injuries-reported/

Klein, E. (2025, March 21). Sprinkler system contains Granby house fire. Daily Hampshire Gazette. https://www.gazettenet.com/Sprinkler-system-prevents-house-fire-in-Granby-from-spreading-60170957

Darnay, K. (2025, March 18). Bismarck Fire Department responds to two fires Monday night. KXNET. https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/bismarck-fire-department-responds-to-two-fires-monday-night/

Wall, K. (2025, March 17). 1 hospitalized, 39 displaced by fire at senior facility in Lakewood. Patch. https://patch.com/new-jersey/lakewood-nj/1-hospitalized-39-displaced-fire-senior-facility-lakewood