Tag Archives: Connecticut

Hotel / Restaurant, Restaurant

Suspected arson fire at popular cafe controlled by sprinkler system (Fairfield, CT)

Fairfield police and fire officials have launched a “significant investigation” into a blaze at the Seagrape Cafe on Reef Road that was originally believed to be accidental but now appears to be arson, officials said Monday.

At 4:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Fairfield Fire Department received a water flow alarm from the Seagrape Cafe, indicating a sprinkler system had been activated, Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Tracy said. Engine 1 responded to a small alleyway behind the Seagrape that directly abuts the Inn at Fairfield Beach about six minutes after the alarm, reports said. According to fire officials, Engine 1 was able to feed a hose through an exhaust fan in the back of the building that was off of the room where the fire was being “kept in check” by the Seagrape’s sprinkler system.

College/University (on campus), School / University

Arson fire at Yale University bookstore controlled by building’s sprinkler system (New Haven, CT)

On Monday, the bookstore called in Fire Investigators to investigate an arson fire. According to a statement issued by NHPD spokesman David Hartman, after reviewing the store’s security footage, the police found the suspect lighting several fires throughout the bookstore with a lighter. The fire in the bathroom also triggered the bookstore’s sprinkler system, helping to limit the damage.

Nursing Home/Senior Living, Residential

Sprinklers control fire at assisted living facility (Mystic, CT)

An early morning fire on October 7 brought the Mystic Fire Department to an assisted living facility. According to reports, a malfunctioning heating pad caused a mattress to catch fire, and the building’s fire sprinkler contained the fire to that room until fire crews extinguished the remaining flames. All of the residents were able to evacuate safely and without injury.

Apartment Building, Residential

Sprinkler system suppresses fire at apartment (Middletown, CT)

Occupants of an apartment were evacuated during the early morning hours on August 19 due to a fire reported on the third floor. The fire was contained by the building’s fire sprinkler system; fire crews arrived to put out the remaining blaze. No injuries were sustained in this incident, and the fire is still under investigation.

***Blog Editor’s Note – Please let us know what you think of the coverage by the NBC Connecticut and journalist Stephanie Jimenez, who focused on water damage rather than the lives and property saved by the automatic fire sprinkler system.***