October 2020

Second Time in Four Years Fire Sprinkler Extinguished Kitchen Fire in High-Rise Extended Care Facility

EVANSTON, IL (October 19, 2020) – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire on the fifth floor of an 11-story high-rise building in Evanston. On November 19, the Evanston Fire Department responded to an alarm at The Mather, 450 Davis Street, a multi-unit extended care facility. Firefighters confirmed that the sprinkler fully extinguished a fire that originated on a stovetop. No one was injured.

This was the second time a fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire in the building. The first sprinkler save occurred December 20, 2016, when a single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire after a stovetop burner was left on and ignited nearby boxes of food. According to fire officials, no one was injured and over $150,000 in damages was prevented thanks to the quick action of the fire sprinkler.

“The combination of audible alarms, a sprinkler system and a quick response by the EFD really made the difference. I would hate to think of the outcome of this fire without these important fire protection systems. They worked exactly as designed, saving both lives and property,” said Fire Chief Brian Scott.

All newly constructed multi-unit residences are required by City ordinance to have an audible alarm and sprinkler protection system installed.

Source: Evanston Round Table