Fargo firefighters responded to a report of fire alarms sounding at 400 Broadway this afternoon.  On arrival, firefighters found smoke coming out of an apartment window on the fifth floor.  Upon entry to the apartment, firefighters found the sprinkler system in operation and the fire extinguished.  The tenant had safely evacuated the apartment prior to the fire department’s arrival.  One cat was located in the apartment and returned to the tenant. 

Due to the sprinkler activation, fire damage was limited.  Several apartments sustained water damage but the management company had a contractor on scene to begin cleanup before firefighters departed.  A monetary damage estimate is not available at this time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  The Fargo Fire Department responded with a full dispatch of 16 personnel on 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, and 1 command vehicle.  The Fargo Police Department and FM Ambulance also responded and assisted with the scene.

A fire sprinkler system can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.