Spring 2024 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Single Fire Sprinkler Controls a Fire in Retirement Apartment Building
May 1, 2024
LA GRANGE PARK, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire in a second-floor apartment at the Bethlehem Woods Retirement Village. Fire crews arrived to find smoke in the unit and a sprinkler controlling the fire. Crews used a hand-held water fire extinguisher to extinguish the remaining fire. The unit was unoccupied. There were no injuries reported and most of the tenants were allowed to remain living in their units.
The day before this save, the La Grange Park Fire Department completed hands-on fire sprinkler valve training, giving the fire crews the opportunity to use what they learned.
According to Fire Chief Dean J. Maggos, “This fire is a testament to the vital role fire sprinklers play in protecting lives and property, and in this case, our older adults.”
Source: La Grange Park Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Control Semi-Trailer Fire at EV Automotive Plant
April 29, 2024
NORMAL, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire in a semi-trailer from entering the Rivian EV Automotive Plant. The trailer was parked at the loading dock when it caught fire and the door to the dock was open. The trailer could not be moved away from the building because it was not attached to a truck. Fire sprinklers stopped the flames from spreading into the building. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Source: centralillinoisproud.com and Normal Fire Department Facebook Post
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Unit Dryer Fire
April 28, 2024
ITASCA, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a dryer fire in a unit at the Hamilton Lakes Apartment complex. A resident said they smelled something burning. When fire crews arrived, the fire was extinguished.
According to Lt. Brooks Nicewarner, Itasca Fire District, the sprinkler did the job and put the fire out in a multifamily building. There were no injuries to any occupants or fire personnel. All residents of the building were able to stay in the building. The sprinkler was replaced that night by the sprinkler contractor.
Source: Brooks Nicewarner, Lieutenant, Itasca Fire District
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Hotel Arson Fire
April 25, 2024
SHOREWOOD, IL – Two fire sprinklers extinguished a fire that was intentionally set with an accelerant in a third floor hotel room. When fire crews arrived, they found heavy black smoke on the third floor, but the fire was extinguished.
According to Chief Paul Hertzmann, Troy Fire Protection District, it could have been a real disaster with injuries and death since the four-story building has 48 rooms. “Disaster was completely avoided because of the two sprinklers which prevented this fire from leaving the room of origin. They kept all the other occupants safe,” he said. No injuries were reported.
Source: Paul Hertzmann, Fire Chief, Troy Fire Protection District
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Church Storage Closet Fire
April 17, 2024
ZION, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a storage closet at the Trinity Christian Center. When fire crews arrived, the church was being evacuated. Crews entered the building and found a fire had been extinguished by a sprinkler in a storage closet in the basement. No injuries were reported.
Source: Justin Stried, Fire Chief, Zion Fire & Rescue Department & City of Zion Fire & Rescue Department Media Release
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Dryer Fire at Rehabilitation Center
April 8, 2024
ROCKFORD, IL – Fire Sprinklers extinguished a dryer fire in the basement of the Alden Debes Rehabilitation Center. Firefighters arrived to find the fire had been extinguished by the sprinklers and contained to the dyer unit.
No injuries were report. Damage was limited to $5,000.
Source: MyStateLine.com