Winter 2025 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Fire Sprinkler Contains Sauna Fire at Local Gym
February 15, 2025
TINLEY PARK, IL – A fire sprinkler contained a fire in a sauna at a Tinley Park fitness center. According to Fire Marshal Steve Lorendo, the fire was caused by the heating element not turning off. No one was in the building at the time of the fire. Lorendo said the business owner was relieved that the fire damage was contained to one small area.
Source: Steve Lorendo, Fire Marshal, Tinley Park Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Contain Fire in Commercial Building Utility Closet
February 6, 2025
WHEELING, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in a utility closet at a commercial building near the Chicago Executive Airport. Fire crews arrived to find smoke coming out of the roof. They traced the fire to a utility closet and extinguished the remaining fire. The fire alarm system alerted occupants and everyone safely evacuated the building. No injuries were report. The fire department deemed the building safe to use.
Source: Journal-topics.com
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes a School Fire
February 2, 2025
WESTMONT, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a room at the Maercker Intermediate School. Fire crews arrived and did not see signs of smoke initially. After their search, smoke was detected in a classroom and the fire had been fully extinguished. No injuries were reported. “Thanks to the quick activation of the sprinkler system, we were able to contain the fire before it spread further, ultimately saving the building from extensive damage,” said Neil Berkowitz, director of fire prevention, Westmont Fire Department. “The sprinkler system did its job, keeping the fire in check until crews could arrive and ensure it was fully extinguished.”
Source: Neil Berkowitz, Director of Fire Prevention, Westmont Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Contain Apartment Building Trash Room Fire
January 27, 2025
URBANA, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading in a trash container and chute in a six-story housing authority building. Firefighters extinguished the fire on the 1st floor trash container. The fire extended up the trash chute to the second floor where the sprinklers controlled the fire.
Residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported. No residents were displaced from the fire.
Source: FoxIllinois.com
Fire sprinklers extinguish fire at Exmoor Clubhouse location that was devastated by fire 120 years ago
January 27, 2025
HIGHLAND PARK, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire in a basement laundry room at the Exmoor Clubhouse. No injuries were reported. After a historic fire at this same location in 1904, this save is a stark reminder of the property-saving benefits of fire sprinklers. The club was set to host the Western Golf Association’s Amateur Championship. According to Golfers’ Magazine, September 1904, on the eve of the tournament, half of the Exmoor club house was destroyed by fire, the locker rooms burned down, and the favorite implements of the game of most of the Exmoor players consumed by flames. Fortunately, club officials were able to scramble and still carry out the tournament, but the club house had to be rebuilt.
Source: Phil McGuire, Fire Inspector, Highland Park Fire Prevention
Fire Sprinkler Contains a High-Rise Campus Housing Fire
January 15, 2025
MACOMB, IL – A single fire sprinkler contained a waste basket in a high-rise dorm room at Western Illinois University. Two residents were displaced due to smoke and water damage. One firefighter was transported to the hospital, treated and released.
Source: Macomb (IL) Fire Department Facebook Post
Resident Reports Fire Sprinkler Save That Contained Mattress Fire in Apartment Building
January 13, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a mattress fire from spreading in a North Lawndale apartment building. A resident in the building contacted the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board through social media stating that she grew up a high-rise that had frequent fires and didn’t have sprinklers. “That’s where my interest came from. I’ve been following your page for about a year now. Last night, I witnessed how sprinklers can truly save lives and protect property. Thank you for bringing awareness to such an important but often overlooked topic!”
Source: Resident of the building reported the save to NIFSAB
Single Fire Sprinkler Controls Apartment Fire
January 9, 2025
VALPARAISO, IN – A single fire sprinkler stopped a fire from spreading in a unit on the first floor of a four-story apartment building. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a sprinkler controlling a couch fire. Crews extinguished the remaining fire. The occupant was transported to the hospital with burn injuries. The fire sprinkler also saved the cat.
According to Division Chief Tim Stites, “This is why ALL buildings should have fire sprinklers!”
Source: Tim Stites, Division Chief, Valparaiso Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Dryer Fire
January 6, 2025
YORKVILLE, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a dryer at an apartment complex. When fire crews arrived, the fire was extinguished and contained to the one dryer. All residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
Source: WSPYNews.com