April 4, 2021
ANTIOCH, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a spontaneous combustion fire caused by oily shop rags at High Performance Racing in Antioch. When crews from the Antioch Fire Department entered the building, they were hit with black smoke and water on the ground. The fire started near the washer and dryer, activating the sprinkler.
It is estimated that the sprinkler saved more than $800,000 worth of equipment and the business opened up two days later. Without fire sprinklers, the entire building including the apartment next door would have been a total loss. No injuries were reported.
Source: Fire Inspector Joe Schimanski, Antioch Fire Department.