Tag Archives: Early AM (5am-7am)

Retail, Shopping Mall

Fire sprinkler credited with saving ten businesses from fire destruction (Bremerton, WA)

A fire that started in the kitchen of a restaurant activated the unit’s alarm as well as its fire sprinklers. The sprinkler system extinguished most of the fire, which was contained to the kitchen, before fire crews arrived.

In 1998 in the same location, a different restaurant had a fire break out in their kitchen. However the outcome of that fire was quite different – that restaurant, which did not have fire sprinklers, sustained an estimated $1.2 million loss. Comparatively, the restaurant fire that was protected with a fire sprinkler system sustained an estimated $5,000 in property loss.
 
According to Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue spokesperson Ileana LiMarzi, “The fire was significant enough that three sprinkler heads were activated. Without the activation of the sprinkler system this fire would have quickly spread throughout the structure and potentially destroyed the nine other businesses housed in the building.”

No injuries were reported due to the fire.

Athletic Club/Sports Facility, Other Business

YMCA fire contained by fire sprinkler system (Longview, OR)

Fire crews who responded to a fire in the sauna of a YMCA found the flames mostly doused by one of the building’s fire sprinklers.  The fire began due to a rubber mat being placed over the sauna’s heater in the women’s locker room, and thanks to the sprinkler system, fire damage was limited to that area, and no one was reported injured.

Longview Fire Marshal Jim Kambitz stated, “Without the fire sprinkler activation, this fire could have caused much more damage and placed lives at risk.”

Other - Retail, Retail

Fire at thrift store was contained thanks to sprinkler system (Portsmouth, VA)

The owner said he stayed at his store because he closed late. At around 5:00 a.m. he heard a loud pop at the front of the store and then saw the cash register and front counter area in flames. Battalion Chief Danny Miller said the store’s sprinklers activated, which kept the fire from spreading. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Apartment Building, Residential

Sprinkler system contains apartment fire (Perryville, MD)

The quick containment of a Monday morning laundry room fire in a Perryville apartment building is evidence that sprinkler systems save lives, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The cause of the 5:30 a.m. fire is still under investigation, although it is not considered suspicious, said Deputy Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire. Firefighters evacuated residents from the eight apartments in the building, including one elderly woman who was confined to her bed.

Office Building, Other Business

Overnight fire at business contained by sprinkler system (Des Plaines, IL)

Sprinklers helped contain what could have been a much larger fire in a Des Plaines business building early Sunday morning. According to Fire Chief Alan Wax, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames with the aid of automatic fire sprinklers in the building. No one was in the building when the fire broke out and no one was injured, Wax added. “There is a lesson here,” said Wax. “This building was required to install fire sprinklers when it was remodeled about 15 years ago. The sprinklers definitely saved this building and the various occupancies within it.” Wax added had the sprinklers not been activated, the fire could have advanced deep into the building’s open wooden truss ceiling, further damaging the structure.

Other / Not Specified, Other Business

Sprinkler system controls commercial electrical fire (Fort Collins, CO)

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A fire broke out early Wednesday morning in the First National Bank Building in Fort Collins. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the electrical room, which is located in the first floor of the garage. The fire sprinkler system was activated and helped extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading. Fire damage was limited to the electrical room.

Hotel / Restaurant, Restaurant

Restaurant fire extinguished by sprinklers, Reopens same day (Sevierville, TN)

A sprinkler system saved a Sevierville Red Lobster from burning down Sunday morning. According to SFD Fire Marshal Tommy White, it appeared the fire started in a pile of empty boxes and trash located inside the rear door of the restaurant. “The cause of the fire is likely improperly discarded embers from a wood-burning stove,” said Fire Marshal White. Firefighters say the overhead sprinkler quickly put out the fire. No damage was reported and the restaurant was allowed to open on Sunday.