Category Archives: Uncategorized

Other / Not Specified, Other Business, Uncategorized

West Palm Beach, FL – Sprinkler system extinguishes dryer fire at hair salon; No injuries reported

These firefighters saved the day in more ways than one.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to a report of a fire at a hair salon in South Florida on Friday.

The building had to be evacuated after a dryer caught fire, setting off the fire alarm and sprinkler system.

But for one client in the hair salon, time was of the essence, firefighters said.

“She had chemicals in her hair that had to be washed out on time,” the fire department wrote.

Once firefighters determined that the situation was under control, they ran a hose from the water in their fire engine to make sure the hairstylist could properly rinse her client’s hair.

“This is a first! What you have to do when the building catches on fire and clients have color in their hair,” one woman from the salon can be heard saying in the video on the agency’s Facebook page. “Thank you, Palm Beach County Fire Department!”

Firefighters said the building’s sprinkler system put out the dryer fire, and no one was injured.

Apartment Building, Residential, Uncategorized

Renton, WA – Sprinkler system contains fire to one room

An apartment fire was taken down early this morning and the sprinkler system helped allow residents to evacuate before it was too late.

The Renton Fire Department (RFD) said the fire started in the 300 block of S. 2nd around 3:30 a.m.

Crews had to immediately call for a full alarm when they arrived with smoke and fire bursting out of the home.

Skyway Fire, King County medics and the Tukwila Fire Department all ended up coming to help.

RFD officials have not yet determined how the fire started, the person who went to the hospital suffered smoke inhalation.

Firefighters say the building sprinkler system actually helped contain the fire itself to one room.

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Reno, NV – Fire caused by vape pen extinguished by sprinkler system

A sprinkler system stopped a vaping pen fire Wednesday before it could have gotten worse, the Reno Fire Department said Thursday.

Firefighters went to a fire at 4055 Gardella Ave. in northeast Reno about 6:48 p.m.

The fire did not spread beyond a bed after a fire sprinkler system put it out, preventing its spread.

An investigation showed that a lithium-ion battery failed and triggered a vape pen explosion, igniting the bed.

The department cited federal statistics that said there were 195 vape pen fires between 2009 and 2016.

The Reno Fire Department offers these tips to avoid vape pen explosions:

  • Consider using vape devices with safety features such as firing button locks, vent holes, and protection against overcharging.
  • Always use the charger that came with the device. Do not use tablet or phone chargers.
  • Do not charge your vape device overnight or leave it charging unattended.
  • Replace the batteries if they get wet or damaged.
  • Make sure you read and understand the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and care of your device.
  • Charge your vape on a clean, flat surface, away from anything that can easily catch fire.
  • Protect your vape from extreme temperatures by not leaving it in direct sunlight or in your car on a freezing cold night.
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Fontana, CA – Sprinkler system activated for small fire in bathroom

Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire that had erupted at a building in Fontana on May 26, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

At 8:54 p.m., crews were dispatched to the location in the 16000 block of Merrill Avenue, according to Public Information Officer Mike McClintock.

Crews found smoke and a small fire in a bathroom fan that had spread to a small area of the attic. Firefighters put the fire out and checked for extension to the remainder of the attic space and adjoining units.

“Thankfully a quick response and an activated fire sprinkler helped keep the fire from growing larger,” McClintock said.

Crews remained on scene for about one hour, working on salvage and overhaul.

Initially there were reports of people trapped inside the building, but those reports turned out to be unfounded, McClintock said.

“In the event of fire, time is the biggest enemy, and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Have escape plans to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family,” McClintock said.

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Saskatoon, SK, Canada – Fire sprinkler extinguishes fire before fire crews arrive

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a call from an alarm company at 6:21 a.m. for a fire signal in the 200 block of Arlingon Ave.

Three engines and an aerial unit were dispatched, according to a press release from the fire department.

When fire crews arrived, they found water flowing from a sprinkler head and a small extinguished fire.

The water protection system had put out the fire before SFD arrived, the department said.

Fire crews ventilated the building to remove smoke and stopped the water flow from the activated sprinkler head.

A SFD fire investigator conducted an examination saying the fire was determined to be accidental due to smudging materials for a spiritual ritual being too close to the other combustible material.

The damage is estimated to be $10,000.

The SFD is recommending that property owners consider purchasing a lockbox providing keys to create an ease of access for fire crews to enter rooms, fire protection equipment and other areas.

By providing a lockbox, it allows fire crews to gain access quickly to emergency situations, the department said.

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Peterborough, ON, Canada – Sprinkler system activated for vehicle fire inside industrial garage; No injuries reported

The Peterborough Fire Service responded to a vehicle fire inside an industrial garage on Saturday, March 6.

Around 11:30 p.m., fire crews responded to alarms ringing and possible smoke in a garage on The Kingsway.

In a media release, the fire department says upon arrival it was noted that the sprinkler system had been activated and dark smoke was venting out of the back of the building. Firefighters used forcible entry to gain access to the building and were met with heavy smoke.

The activated sprinkler kept the fire contained to one vehicle. Firefighters extinguished the vehicle and removed smoke from the structure.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

No injuries were reported.

Uncategorized

Roanoke, VA – Sprinkler system extinguishes fire at Lids store in shopping mall; No injuries reported

Roanoke first responders were dispatched to Valley View Mall early Tuesday morning after an accidental fire broke out at Lids.

According to Roanoke Fire-EMS, crews responded to the mall at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, for a fire alarm.

When units arrived, they found heavy water flowing and smoke coming from Lids inside Valley View Mall.

After personnel investigated, the department says they discovered a fire had started in the bathroom’s vent fan before dropping burning material onto flammable materials that were stored in the bathroom.

Even though the sprinkler system was activated before firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames, fire officials say units worked to mitigate the damage from the water as much as possible until they turned the scene over to property maintenance.

There are no reports of injuries resulting from this fire, which Roanoke Fire-EMS says was determined to be accidental.

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Joliet, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguish warehouse fire after floor cleaner catches fire; No injuries reported

The Joliet Fire Department sent crews from four fire stations to Tuesday night’s fire inside the Petco warehouse, 4001 Olympic Blvd. Fire chief Greg Blaskey said the warehouse manager ordered all the employees to evacuate the building around 7:45 p.m. and an explosion occurred a minute later. Nobody was injured.

“The cause of the fire was due to an employee operating a riding floor cleaner who had run over a piece of pallet,” Blaskey said. “The floor cleaner began to smoke and caught fire.”

Joliet’s fire chief said that the floor cleaner was powered by propane, and the tank had ruptured from the fire, causing the explosion.

Joliet firefighters found the warehouse full of smoke upon arrival. Fortunately, Blaskey said, the building’s sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire. Joliet firefighters remained on the scene to help with overhaul and ventilation, the chief said.

Blaskey said the Petco building did not sustain any significant damage. He said there were about a dozen employees working at the time.

The chief credited the building’s sprinkler system for keeping the building damage minimal.

“There’s a reason sprinklers are in place, to give people time to escape when there’s a fire,” he said.

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Appleton, WI – Sprinkler system contains fire in machinery; No injuries reported

A fire in machinery caused about $10,000 in Appleton early Tuesday morning.

Appleton Fire says it was dispatched to a business in the 2600 block of W. Second Street for a report of a water flow alarm shortly after 5 a.m.

While en route, fire crews were updated that there was smoke in the building and a suspected fire.

When crews arrived, Appleton Fire says they found a fire in a piece of machinery that had traveled through a duct to another room.

The automatic fire sprinkler system in the building was controlling the fire, according to Appleton Fire. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and turned off the sprinkler system.

No injuries were reported and the business will be able to open on Tuesday because of the properly functioning sprinkler and alarm systems.

Appleton fire says the cause of the fire is due to a process malfunction.

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St. Louis, MO – Apartment fire likely started by lightning strike controlled by fire sprinklers

A devastating fire that happened eight years ago likely helped save a new building in the same spot Wednesday afternoon.

The St. Louis Fire Department responded to a call for help at an apartment building in the 3900 block of Lindell. There was a report of a fire in the attic.

Crews and building management evacuated residents while firefighters worked to put out the flames. The fire ended up causing some damage in the attic and water damage to the top couple floors.

However, Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson told 5 On Your Side the fire could have been a lot worse.

Eight years ago, a building in the same spot caught on fire and burned beyond help. The apartment building was rebuilt almost exactly the same with one exception – sprinklers were added in the attic.

Jenkerson said a bolt of lightning likely sparked Wednesday’s fire, and that it hit in same spot where the fire started eight years ago, although that fire wasn’t started during a storm.

He said the sprinklers stopped the fire from spreading and put firefighters in a position to save the building.