April 12, 2023
SKOKIE, IL – A single fire sprinkler held a fire in check inside a large warehouse preventing a potential major fire until fire crews arrived. Exterior roofing work caused a fire that burned through the roof and into the bowstring truss area inside the structure, causing the fire sprinkler to activate and sound the fire alarm to provide early warning to occupants.
According to the Skokie Fire Department, without a fire sprinkler system, the fire would have likely spread rapidly throughout the bowstring truss roof, causing significant damage to the building and extremely hazardous conditions for the occupants and firefighters. It was estimated that fire sprinklers saved about $3,000,000 in damages. The business was able to remain open with minimum damage. No injuries were reported.
Source: Skokie Fire Department