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  • Writer's pictureTim Spears
    • 5 days ago
    • 8 min read

Fire Sprinkler System Saves from August 21-31, 2024



Fire sprinkler systems play an important role in community risk reduction and fire safety. These systems have a proven ability in minimizing property damage, reducing injury, and saving lives by quickly controlling or extinguishing fires. From commercial buildings to residential properties, the effectiveness of fire sprinklers is evident. This blog post provides an overview of fire sprinkler saves reported between August 21th and August 31st, highlighting real-world examples of how these systems protect our communities. We will explore how fire sprinkler systems work, why they are essential in fire prevention, and their benefits in promoting community safety.


Recent Fire Sprinkler Saves


Below are some of the most recent fire incidents where fire sprinkler systems played a role in mitigating fire damage and protecting occupants. These examples, spanning various locations and types of properties. Click on the provided link to read the original reporting.


Fire Extinguished at Freightliner Facility


Location: Cleveland, North Carolina, USA


Summary: On August 29, 2024, a fire broke out in the second-floor paint booth room of the Daimler Freightliner facility in Cleveland, North Carolina. The Cleveland Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to the incident, finding the fire largely contained to the paint booth. The sprinkler system activated, helping to control the fire, although some smoldering remained in a drainage mechanism that required additional effort to access and extinguish using foam. The fire caused damage to a robotic arm, but no injuries were reported. The scene was cleared later that day and remained under investigation by the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office.


Link to original article: Salisbury Post


Sprinklers Save WR Cold Storage

Location: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: On August 27, 2024, a fire alarm alerted the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department to a fire at WR Cold Storage, located at 801 21st Ave. N. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire had occurred in a maintenance room. The building's sprinkler system had already extinguished the fire, preventing further damage and potentially saving the business. The fire caused approximately $25,000 in damage, and officials deemed it unintentional.


Link to original article: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune




 Utility Room Fire at Home Depot


Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada


Summary: On August 26, 2024, a fire broke out in the utility room of a Home Depot store on Abinojii Mikanah in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to the scene, where the building’s sprinkler system had kept the fire under control. The store was evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The fire damage was contained to the utility room, with preliminary investigations suggesting a failure in a battery or charger as the cause. The quick activation of the sprinkler system and the efficient evacuation of the building ensured minimal disruption and damage.


Link to original article: CBC News


Sprinkler System Saves Grand Chute Trampoline Park


Location: Grand Chute, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: On August 26, 2024, an automatic fire sprinkler system saved the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, from extensive fire damage. The Grand Chute Fire Department responded to a commercial fire alarm just before 7:30 p.m. When crews arrived, they found an active sprinkler system and significant smoke but no active flames. The fire, caused by a battery charger system for an amusement device, was extinguished by the sprinkler system. The building was unoccupied at the time, and there were no injuries reported. Neighboring businesses experienced minimal water seepage. Firefighters emphasized the importance of battery safety and recommended precautions to prevent such incidents.


Link to original article: NBC 26




Fire in Rocky Hill Commercial Building


Location: Rocky Hill, Connecticut, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at Pro-Rez Performance Resins & Coatings, a commercial building on Brook Street in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on August 29, 2024. The Rocky Hill Fire Department responded to the scene around 9:41 p.m. and observed moderate smoke and water flowing from a loading dock garage door. The building's sprinkler system contained the fire, allowing firefighters to put it under control quickly. The situation also involved a potentially hazardous materials condition, but further investigation by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection found no danger. The incident is currently under investigation by the fire marshal's office.


Link to original article: Middletown Press


Kitchen Fire in Charleston Displaces Three


Location: Charleston, South Carolina, USA


Summary: On August 27, 2024, a kitchen fire in an apartment in the Cainhoy area of Charleston, South Carolina, displaced three residents. The Charleston and Mount Pleasant fire departments responded to an automatic fire alarm and reports of smoke in a three-story apartment building. Firefighters discovered a fire in one of the apartments, where they forced entry and extinguished the flames. A single fire sprinkler contained the fire to the kitchen area. The cause of the fire was identified as combustible items stored on the stove that ignited. The fire also resulted in water damage to five nearby units. No injuries were reported, and a dog found inside the affected apartment was safely evacuated.


Link to original article: ABC News 4




Fire Crews Rescue Resident from Apartment Fire in San Francisco


Location: San Francisco, California, USA


Summary: On August 26, 2024, firefighters responded to an apartment fire in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Fire Department responded to the fire around 4:45 a.m. and rescued the occupant by moving them to a nearby building through a window. Thanks to the sprinkler system, the fire was contained to a single room and did not spread further. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


Link to original article: CBS San Francisco




E-Scooter Batteries Catch Fire in Auckland CBD Apartments


Location: Auckland, New Zealand


Summary: On August 22, 2024, residents of the Aura Apartments in Auckland's central business district were evacuated after an electric scooter battery caught fire on the ninth floor. Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews responded to an automatic fire alarm shortly after 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a smoke-logged apartment building and a scooter on fire. The sprinkler system activated, extinguishing the fire before it could spread. No injuries were reported, and residents were allowed to return to the building after it was deemed safe.


Link to original article: 1News


Firefighters Extinguish Blaze at 8-Story Building in Portland's Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood


Location: Portland, Oregon, USA


Summary: On August 21, 2024, a fire broke out at an eight-story building in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The Portland Fire & Rescue, along with Clackamas Fire, responded to the scene where fire was showing from the fifth and sixth floors. A second alarm was called, and firefighters used handheld hose lines and the building’s sprinkler system to extinguish the flames. The fire originated on a balcony on the fifth floor and spread to the sixth floor, with embers falling to lower levels. Three people were displaced due to water and fire damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


Link to original article: KOIN 6 News




Crews Respond to Vehicle Fire at Skyline Center


Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, USA


Summary: On August 29, 2024, a vehicle fire broke out in the parking deck of the Skyline Center in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The Wilmington Fire Department responded just before 8:30 a.m. and found that the sprinkler system had already activated and contained the fire to the vehicle of origin. Quick action by the sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles or the building. No injuries were reported in the incident.


Link to original article: WECT



Charlottesville Fire Investigates Apartment Blaze


Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA


Summary: On August 25, 2024, the Charlottesville Fire Department responded to a fire at the Carlton Views apartments in Charlottesville, Virginia. The fire was reported just before 8 a.m., and upon arrival, crews found a small fire that was quickly extinguished. The building's sprinkler system activated, causing slight water damage but effectively containing the fire. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.


Link to original article: WVIR


El Dorado Hills Commercial Building Saved by Multiple Fire Agencies


Location: El Dorado Hills, California, USA


Summary: A commercial building in El Dorado Hills, California, was saved from extensive damage on August 28, 2024, thanks to the combined efforts of multiple fire agencies and the building's sprinkler system. The fire, which broke out in a unit at the El Dorado Hills Business Park, was caused by a vapor explosion from oil-soaked rags. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to one occupancy unit, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the large structure. The incident caused approximately $100,000 in damage, primarily to the unit of origin, with some water and smoke damage to neighboring units.


Link to original article: Folsom Times




Fire Alarm at Sampha Concert in Elbphilharmonie Hamburg


Location: Hamburg, Germany


Summary: On August 25, 2024, a fire alarm triggered by a suspected cable fire under the stage led to the evacuation of the Great Hall at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, during a sold-out concert by British soul singer Sampha. The fire alarm system and sprinklers activated, preventing a larger incident. Although the fire was no longer burning when emergency services arrived, water from the sprinklers had seeped into the technical area, causing the concert to be canceled. The extent of the damage is not yet known.


Link to original article: DER SPIEGEL


Benefits of Fire Sprinkler Systems in Fire Prevention and Community Safety


Fire sprinkler systems offer several key benefits that contribute to fire prevention and enhance community safety:


  1. Early Fire Detection and Suppression: Sprinklers detect heat and respond by releasing water directly over the fire, containing the fire before it can spread.

  2. Minimize Property Damage: Because sprinklers target the source of the fire, they reduce overall damage compared to the extensive water damage that might result from fire suppression.

  3. Reduced Risk of Injury and Death: Quick suppression of fires reduces the risk to occupants and first responders.


Q: Are fire sprinkler systems only for commercial buildings?


A: No, fire sprinklers are valuable in residential settings as well. Many regions now require fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed homes, especially multi-family dwellings. These systems are effective in residential properties, protecting lives and assets.


Fire sprinkler systems are more than just a building requirement—they are a proven tool for saving lives, reducing property damage, and ensuring community safety. As demonstrated by the news stories from August 21th to August 31st, the consistent performance of these systems in diverse settings highlights their importance in fire prevention and risk reduction strategies.


References


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