A neon wall sign caught fire and started to spread slowly via a plastic plant used for wall decoration. The plastic material had previously been tested by an MCFMO Fire Inspector during an occupancy inspection and met safety codes for its ability to limit fire spread.
The fire eventually emitted enough heat to activate a single fire sprinkler, controlling the fire and preventing any business disruption for the building tenants.
“The area of origin for the fire was the back, right rear burner on range top. Radiant heat ignited the microwave and cabinetry directly above. Responding FD found no flames or smoke, burner still glowing red as it had not been turned off. Fire was extinguished by sprinkler head on ceiling approximately 10′ away from fire. “
At about 9:20 p.m., fire crews were called to The Windsor Apartment Homes in the 400 block of Pine Street. A small cooking fire in an eighth-floor apartment had triggered the apartment’s sprinkler system, the release said.
“Once the fire extinguishment was confirmed, the fire department was able to shut off the sprinkler system to reduce the water damage,” the release said.
Water flowed down the hallway and also damaged nearby apartments, including at least one on the floor below, AFD spokeswoman Elise Roberts said.
Damages are estimated to be $5,000 due to the sprinkler activation, the release said.
The resident told firefighters she had left food on the stove and it caught fire. Everyone was able to get out safely. Smoke and water damage was contained to one apartment unit. The action of this one sprinkler head saved lives and an extensive financial loss of property.
According to the NFPA, there are hundreds of fires reported every day in the U.S., but cooking fires are by far the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
“With the COVID-19 concerns people are staying home and cooking more,” MFP spokesperson Merit Ossian said. “The best way to protect your home and family is to stay alert and keep an eye on what you are cooking. Take it off the heat if you have to step away.”
But two fire sprinkler heads activated and quickly extinguished the flames, eliminating a potential “disaster,” according to the McKinney Fire Department.
“Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries,” said Merit Ossian, McKinney Fire Dept. Public Information Officer. “The biggest problem is unattended cooking. If you have to step away from the stove, turn off the heat first.”
The structure fire happened at the Treymore of McKinney apartments at 901 S. Wilson Creek.
No one was injured and damage was limited to the area around the stove.
The fire was generally contained to a popcorn machine in the concessions area of the movie theater. Though the fire was contained to the popcorn machine, sufficient heat was created that it activated a single sprinkler head.
There did not appear to be any damage directly caused by the fire due to it being contained by the machine which itself did not appear to be damaged.
The South Montgomery County Fire Department responded Friday to an automatic fire alarm at Dosey Doe’s location at 25911 Interstate 45 North. The first arriving fire crew reported smoke visible inside and immediately entered the building where they found that a commercial dryer had caught fire. The building was unoccupied at the time the fire broke out, but was equipped with a fire sprinkler and alarm system. The heat from the growing fire activated a single fire sprinkler which quickly contained the fire before it could spread, preventing any significant damage.
Firefighters cleared the building of smoke and secured the sprinkler system, preventing any disruption of business. According to the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office, the presence of the fire sprinkler system prevented what would have been a catastrophic fire had it spread to the rest of restored 165 year old barn, famous for its ambiance and regular events featuring nationally recognized artists.
Although some wooden elements of the barn’s foundation are estimated to be as much as 600 years old, MCFMO officials stated in a press release, the venue is protected throughout by modern fire safety systems installed in accordance with national safety codes. With these systems in place, business was able to continue without interruption.
The Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court adopted a county fire code in 2008 after a series of large fires in commercial buildings. Since that time, fire marshal’s office plans examiners have reviewed and approved plans for approximately 75 million square feet of new construction.
“In addition to reviewing plans for new construction and renovations, we are working together with our partners in the South Montgomery County Fire Department to inspect and insure continued public safety in the thousands of commercial and public buildings located throughout Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 8,” said the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office in a statement.
Fire officials are investigating a blaze that broke out at our local outlet mall Tuesday.
The incident happened shortly after 9 p.m.
According to fire officials, heavy smoke was seen inside a store at the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo.
At the time, smoke was coming through some of the clothing items at the store when the sprinkler system went off.
Fire officials say no injuries were reported and there were no damages to other stores.
At 8:45pm Coppell Fire Department was dispatched on an automatic fire alarm to a day care facility. CFD units arrived approximately 4 minutes later with very light smoke inside the structure. Crews began a search at the front door, immediately hearing the activated fire sprinkler head. Firefighters saw remnants of a ceiling mounted exhaust fan burning. They ‘pulled the ceiling’ exposing burned roof members and the activated automatic fire sprinkler head. The single fire sprinkler head extinguished the fire.
Approximately $7,000 damage (not including water restoration)
Potential loss if building did not have protection – approx. $650,000 (structure and contents, not including loss revenue)
