Category Archives: Other – Retail

Other - Retail, Retail

Columbia, SC – New Year’s Eve fire at Walmart extinguished by sprinkler system

A fire broke out early Wednesday night at the Walmart on Bush River Road.  Officials say upon arrival, Walmart’s sprinkler system units had extinguished the fire. 

Brick Lewis with the Columbia Fire Department says that at least six units including 3 ladder companies responded to the store. Lewis says that the responding units opened doors and windows to remove the smoke from the building.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Other - Retail, Retail

California, MD – Christmas day fire at Lowes store put out by sprinkler system

On Thursday, December 25, 2014, at approximately 12:45 p.m., firefighters from Bay District VFD, Hollywood VFD and the Naval District Patuxent River Fire Department were alerted to report of a commercial fire at 45075 Worth Avenue, in California.

Crews arrived on scene at Lowes Home Improvement to discover an audible fire alarm and heavy smoke inside the building. The firefighter’s made entry to the building and discovered the damage.

The accidental fire began in a trash container located in an aisle of the store. The fire extended to nearby foam sheets and plywood which resulted in the activation of the sprinkler system which quickly extinguished the fire.

There was no structural damage to the building and the damage was limited to approximately $10,000 worth of merchandise.  No injuries were reported. Maryland State Fire Marshall’s were called to the scene and continue to investigate.

Other - Retail, Retail

Richmond, VA – Christmas eve fire at clothing store extinguished by sprinkler system

Avenue, a women’s clothing store, was evacuated Wednesday afternoon after Henrico Fire crews responded to a fire inside the store located at 9077 Staples Mill Road.  Henrico Fire Battalion Chief Eugene Gerald said it appeared the fire started at about 1:04 p.m. in the “main part” of the store.  The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

“Inside the Avenue clothing store fire crews found a small fire that had been extinguished by the stores sprinkler system,” Henrico Fire spokesman Danny Rosenbaum said.”  No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

“The fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office,” Capt. Rosenbaum said.  Management at Avenue clothing store said they hoped to re-open the store on Friday.

Other - Retail, Retail

Fairbanks, AK – Sprinkler system douses overnight fire at popular outfitter/retailer

A fire that broke out in the basement of Prospector Outfitters early this morning forced the outdoor retailer at 1512 South Cushman St. to close.  The fire started in the building’s basement in the boiler room shortly after 1 a.m., according to Fairbanks Fire Department Assistant Chief Ernie Misewicz, setting off the sprinkler system, which doused the fire before crews arrived on scene.

Firefighters put out a minimal amount of smoldering inside the building’s walls and helped clean up some of the smoke and water damage from the sprinklers. Crews from Fort Wainwright, Steese and North Star Volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid to Fairbanks Fire Department.  Misewicz speculated the fire may have been caused by a boiler malfunction. He said the Prospector was closed Sunday morning while staff attempted to clean up the damage to reopen.

*** Note from Blog Editor — Smoke cannot activate an automatic fire sprinkler system, but rather only the substantial heat created early on in the growth stage of a potentially deadly fire. Only the sprinkler(s) closest to the fire will activate. ***

Other - Retail, Retail

Yuma, AZ – Sprinklers contain fire at commercial building under renovation

A sprinkler system had mostly extinguished a fire in a commercial building in Yuma Wednesday night by the time firefighters arrived on scene.  Oily rags not disposed of properly are suspected of causing the fire. Yuma Fire Department spokesman Mike Erfert said that shortly after 10 p.m., a water flow alarm was received, indicating a fire sprinkler system had activated in a commercial building located at 475 W. 32nd St.

Erfert said arriving firefighters gained access to the building and found that a fire had been contained and mostly extinguished by an activated sprinkler head. Firefighters immediately began extinguishing some hot spots and ensured the fire was completely out.  A small display case and some wooden dividers sustained damage.  The building is being remodeled to open as a retail store. Lacquer finishing had been applied to wood panels during the work day. Oily rags not disposed of properly are suspected of causing the fire.

Other - Retail, Retail

Costa Mesa, CA – Fire at Home Depot store held in check by sprinkler system

Costa Mesa firefighters doused a small blaze at a Home Depot store and a home on Thanksgiving.  The fire started around 9:30 a.m. when an extension cord malfunctioned at The Home Depot at 2300 Harbor Blvd., according to authorities.

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from the store’s garden center and forced their way in. A crew of about 17 quickly extinguished the flames, which had been held in check by a sprinkler system, according to the Fire Department. The fire caused about $1,000 in damage.

Other - Retail, Retail

Fort Collins, CO – Sprinkler helps save coffee shop from further fire damage

Sprinkler quells fire at Mugs Coffee Lounge:

Mugs Coffee Lounge, 261 S. College Ave., is open after a fire in the basement was extinguished Tuesday morning.  The cause of the fire that destroyed a fake plant, caused light smoke damage and activated Mugs’ fire sprinkler system around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday is still under investigation. The cost of damage is estimated at $1,000, according to Poudre Fire Authority spokesman Patrick Love.

“One fire sprinkler saved a huge amount of potential damage,” Love said. “This particular incident could have had extremely devastating effects not only on this building, but there are also numerous businesses nearby.”

Other - Retail, Retail

Richlands, NC – Fire at lawn and garden center contained by sprinklers

Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a Richlands business early this morning. A trash truck driver noticed smoke coming from the Great Outdoors Lawn and Garden Center on East Franck Street just before 6:00 a.m. Onslow County EMS Director Norm Bryson says fortunately the sprinkler system activated and kept the actual fire contained to the office and bathroom area.

Other - Retail, Retail

Fire at Menards store put out by sprinkler system, suspect being held (Evansville, IN)

Evansville Police and fire departments were called out to the east side Menards shortly after 4:00 pm for a fire in the back section of the store. Investigators say the store’s sprinkler system immediately activated and put out the flames. EPD confirms one employee was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. A Robards, Kentucy man is behind bars, accused of starting the fire.