A single sprinkler head activated, keeping the fire under control until fire units arrived. Meridian Fire Department reminds us to make sure sprinkler systems are working to prevent fires from spreading, saving property, and saving lives.
Tag Archives: Idaho
Meridian, ID – Sprinkler system contains fire at apartment complex
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the sprinkler system had activated, containing a small fire in an area within the affected unit. An investigation found that the cause of the fire was malfunction or overcharging of a wireless charging bank, and it has been ruled accidental.
The quick response of the sprinkler system limited damage to items in the immediate vicinity and prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. The Meridian Fire Department emphasized the importance of sprinkler systems in early fire suppression, noting that they are one of the most effective methods in multi-unit dwellings.
“Fire spreads quickly and can double in size every minute—even small fires can pose serious risks to people and property,” said a department spokesperson. “Contrary to what is often portrayed in movies and TV, sprinkler systems do not all activate at once. Only the sprinkler head closest to the heat source will discharge, targeting the fire directly at its origin.”
The department urged residents to exercise caution with electronic devices and avoid leaving items charging unattended for extended periods. “This incident is a strong example of how sprinkler systems save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property,” the spokesperson added.
Moscow, ID – Sprinkler system activated for fire at theater; No injuries reported
The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:00 am after reports of visible smoke and flames from the theater’s loading dock and an adjacent box truck.
The first responding officer arrived within five minutes and confirmed an active fire, with smoke and flames showing from the loading dock area and the box truck. The building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system had activated, helping to control the spread of the fire.
The first fire engine arrived within six minutes, quickly establishing a water supply and extinguishing the main body of the fire at the loading dock. Subsequent units checked for any fire extension inside the building. The investigation determined that the fire was primarily outside but smoke had entered the building. A single sprinkler head activated inside helped to keep the fire contained to the exterior.
The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted to investigate the fire, as the building is located on state property. No injuries were reported, and the scene was managed with cooperation from University of Idaho staff.
Response to the incident included units from Moscow Fire, Moscow Ambulance, and Moscow Police. The fire is currently under investigation by state authorities. For further information, contact the fire administration office.
Boise, ID – Sprinkler system extinguished apartment fire caused by cigarette
The fire began in a plastic trash can, after someone threw away a cigarette, and spread to a recliner, the department said in a Facebook post. It occurred at Capitol Plaza, a public housing building for seniors at 700 W. Cunningham Place in the North End.
Firefighters responded at 2:45 p.m. after a woman in an apartment near the unit where the fire began smelled smoke and called 911, according to the department. When crews arrived, they found the recliner on fire and a man on the floor in a fifth floor apartment. An ambulance took the man to the hospital with minor injuries, the department said, but a sprinkler extinguished the fire and stopped its spread.
“Working fire sprinklers saved at least one life and prevented significant structural damage,” the Facebook post said.
Boise Fire spokesperson Lynsey Amundson told the Idaho Statesman in an email that residents were displaced by water damage to the fourth and third floor apartments.
Boise, ID – Sprinkler system extinguishes fire in multi-family home; No injuries reported
Caldwell Fire Department said in a release that on the morning of Feb. 8, Canyon County Dispatch received several reports of a fire alarm having been activated inside of a home.
Caldwell Fire crews were dispatched to the two-story multi-family fourplex. Upon arrival, no smoke nor flames could be detected, however, the audible water flow alarm was activated.
No one was home at the time of the incident.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that a fire had indeed broken out in one of the bedrooms. Crews concluded that the fire suppression system had activated, effectively extinguishing the fire that erupted in the back bedroom of one of the first-floor apartments.
The statement iterated that if not for the sprinkler system, damages could have been exponential. They said the fire would have grown much larger, moving into the adjacent units and buildings, potentially displacing several families.
Let this serve as a reminder to keep fire and smoke alarms updated; and next time you reach for those batteries to replace your dying remote control…don’t.
“This is a good reminder that fire suppression systems work,” said Deputy Chief Alan Perry, Fire Marshal, Caldwell Fire Department.
“The need for fire suppression systems in residential settings is paramount as high-density living situations become more and more common.”
Idaho Falls, ID – Sprinkler system activated for fire at hotel; No injuries reported
The department says the call came in at 4:47 p.m. stating there was a fire on the 4th floor. Officials say the fire is out now.
The sprinkler system activate and hotel guests were evacuated.
The fire was contained to one room. Firefighters are clearing the smoke out and checking rooms to make sure there was no extension of the fire.
There have been no injuries reported.
Boise, ID – Sprinkler system contains fire at business
The fire started in a storage room at the business, according to Boise Fire Department. Crews were able to quickly put out the fire and vet the large amount of smoke due to the sprinklers.
“Fire sprinklers have proven their effectiveness over and over again,” said Support Services Assistant Chief Romeo Gervais. “The system operated quickly and only in the area of the fire, allowing businesses in the building to remain open or re-open much more quickly then after a devastating fire.”
Boise, ID – Sprinkler system puts out apartment fire after firework is lit inside apartment
Just after 1:30 a.m., officers responded to an apartment fire on the 1000 block to West Royal Boulevard to assist the Boise Fire Department with their investigation.
When they arrived, a fire in a second floor apartment had already filled the building with smoke and forced residents to evacuate for about an hour.
According to a preliminary investigation, three men were playing a game when they lit a firework inside the apartment. That activated the sprinkler system which put out the fire before it could spread. However, the apartment did sustain fire and water damage.
Police say the men could face first-degree arson charges. The case has been forwarded to the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Boise Police and Boise Fire would like to remind the public of the dangers and criminal charges that can result from playing with or misusing fireworks.
Twin Falls, ID – Second floor apartment kitchen fire put out by fire sprinkler system; No injuries reported
Two families are displaced Thursday night after a fire breaks out in a Twin Falls apartment complex.
The Twin Falls Fire Department was dispatched to the Timberlake Apartments around 9:45 PM, because of a kitchen fire that broke out in a second floor apartment.
The battalion chief on scene said the sprinkler system was able to put the fire out, but water damage from the system caused significant structural damage to the upstairs and downstairs apartments.
“We have contacted American Red Cross; they will come out and assist them with housing arrangements and any items they may need to get by until the apartments are ready for them to occupy again,” said Ron Aguirre, Twin Falls Fire battalion chief.
He also said no one was hurt in the fire, and Magic Valley Paramedics and the Twin Falls Police Department assisted them in the incident.
Boise, ID – Apartment complex saved from kitchen fire thanks to fire sprinklers
A Caldwell apartment complex was saved Saturday from a kitchen fire by a sprinkler sytem.
Caldwell Fire crews found an empty apartment filled with smoke this weekend. Luckily the fire had started the sprinkler system, which confined the damage to the kitchen.
“Without the sprinkler intervention, there would undoubtedly be significant damage to the property and lives at risk,” according to a spokesperson.
Fire investigators said the system stopped the fire from engulfing the kitchen within two minutes and expanding quickly to the apartments next to and above it.
“If there were not sprinkler system in this building, this would be a different situation. We could be out a building and 6 families could be out of their homes.” – Complex Maintenance Management
