Fire Sprinklers Protect Firefighters and Equipment Thanks to FEMA Grants

Members of the “Fire Sprinkler Protected” Clarendon Hills fire station are (from left to right):
Jim Schlicher-Firefighter/EMT, Chief Brian Leahy-Fire Chief, Scott Bonser-Captain and Bobbie Bowen-Firefighter/Paramedic

Fire sprinklers save lives. That is an important message many fire departments promote through community education. In addition to protecting occupants in residential and commercial buildings, it is important to protect those who protect the community. Firefighters.

Thanks to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funding, the Clarendon Hills and Sycamore fire departments were able to retrofit their fire stations with fire sprinklers, protecting firefighters when they are sleeping and staying at their stations ready to respond to calls.

The Clarendon Hills Fire Department received FEMA funding to retrofit their station. According to Chief Brian Leahy, Clarendon Hills Fire Department, the fire station is no different than any other building. “I’ve been an advocate for many years. We have 400 or 500 homes equipped with fire sprinklers. We thought that because we are requiring fire sprinklers to be installed in people’s homes, we should be doing the same at the station. We are now 100 percent sprinklered. We need to protect life and equipment, so we are ready to protect the community,” he said.

The Sycamore Fire Department also received FEMA grants to install a fire sprinkler system in their Station 1. Sycamore Station 2 was protected with a full fire alarm and sprinkler system when it was built in 2009.

“The fire department staff has a duty to improve safety for our members and the public. One of our goals has been to improve safety measures at our oldest fire station which also serves as the fire department headquarters.” said Deputy Fire Chief Art Zern, Sycamore Fire Department. “At Station 1, we host CPR classes and other events open to the public. We also host and instruct Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class for DeKalb County high school students at the station every school day. The fire sprinkler protection is for our firefighters’ safety as well as visitors. Additionally, we are trying to prevent a catastrophic loss to the community if a fire was to start at the fire station. The potential costs of an un-detected fire and delayed suppression of a fire in the fire station are staggering. Aside from the human cost associated with injuries (or worse) to firefighters or civilians, the cost of the damage to the fire station, furnishings, fire apparatus, equipment, gear and PPE could be in the millions of dollars,” Zern said.

The Sycamore Fire Department installed their fire sprinkler system in two phases. In 2015 they received an AFG through FEMA. This grant covered the installation of a full fire alarm system. Zern said they were grateful and fortunate to now receive another AFG grant for the fire sprinkler system.

Nelson Fire Protection installed the fire sprinkler system. “They were excellent to work with, especially with our 63 year-old building,: Zern said. “There were issues with concrete construction features and working around the existing infrastructure. Nelson Fire Protection was very helpful during the design phase and getting the project ready to go.”

Congratulations to these fire departments and the communities they serve.

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Lisa2019-09-27T13:53:15-05:00September 27th, 2019|Comments Off

NFSA – NFPA 25 Code Enforcing Training Coming to Illinois – Two Dates and Two Locations

NFSA Training is coming to Illinois

Two Dates and Two Locations

Understanding, Applying and Enforcing NFPA 25

This highly interactive full day seminar describes the requirements for properly maintaining a water based fire protection system in accordance with NFPA 25. The seminar clearly describes the responsibilities for compliance & record keeping. It describes the specific scope of the standard, and identifies the various ways in which information related to changes in the system are handled. It describes the various Tables used in the standard, their specific purposes, and when to use which Tables.

For a full syllabus description, click here.

October 22, 2019 – North

F.E. Moran Fire Protection

2265 Carlson Drive

Northbrook IL 60062

October 24, 2019 – South

Illinois Fire Service Institute

University of Illinois

11 Gerty Drive

Champaign, IL 61820

Registration Information:

NFSA AHJ Members: FREE
(Not a member? Details on FREE membership below.)

NFSA Members: $284 EARLY BIRD
($315 Two Weeks Prior)

Non-Members: $567 EARLY BIRD
($630 Two Weeks Prior)

Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board Promotes Erik Hoffer as New Executive Director

Erik Hoffer, new Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board

Orland Park, IL (September 19, 2019) – The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) named Erik Hoffer as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoffer will work closely with members of the fire service, elected officials, building officials and decision-makers to raise public awareness about the life- and property-saving benefits of fire sprinklers, provide training, and promote progressive legislation.

Hoffer has 12 years experience working with the fire sprinkler industry and fire service. He joined NIFSAB and NFSA more than two years ago as Field Operations Local Coordinator where he has worked with fire departments and municipalities utilizing NIFSAB and NFSA resources to support their public awareness and advocacy efforts, including live fire sprinkler demonstrations, as well as their code and legislative activities.

Prior to joining NIFSAB, Hoffer was account executive at PPA Communications, a marketing communications firm that specializes in developing and implementing information and education campaigns for safety advocacy groups and trade associations. During that time, Hoffer worked closely with NIFSAB, Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (NFSA is a founding member), NFPA and other organizations.

“As board members, we’ve worked with Erik for a number of years and we are confident he will do a good job in this leadership position,” said Matt Treutelaar, Chair of the NIFSAB board and president, Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating Company. “He understands the industry and the issues. He has built strong relationships and works well with members of the fire service, contractors and other stakeholders that utilize NIFSAB’s resources.”

“Erik has been a valued teammate at NFSA for the past two years and in the industry for more than a decade,” said NFSA President Shane Ray. “He has a great opportunity to build on the legacy Tom Lia has spent 20 years building.”

Hoffer said he is excited about his new role and is ready to move forward. “NIFSAB has a great legacy of providing fire sprinkler education and resources to its fire and building official partners and their communities. I am proud to be part of that tradition.”

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Lisa2019-09-23T01:44:40-05:00September 19th, 2019|Comments Off

Illinois State Fire Marshal Reminds College Students “Safety First” During Campus Fire Safety Month

Springfield, IL (September 3, 2019) – As student’s head back for another year at Illinois colleges and universities, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages students and parents to make fire safety a top priority. Governor Pritzker has signed a proclamation marking September “Campus Fire Safety Month in Illinois.”

Illinois is among numerous other states nationwide participating in a campaign run by Campus Firewatch, an online publication working to improve fire safety at schools. This is the 14th year Illinois has participated in the campaign which is designed to raise awareness on campuses about fire and life safety. The goal is to help prevent common campus fires and reduce fire hazards. According to Campus Firewatch, 85% of college-related fire fatalities have happened in off-campus housing, where most students live.

Fire Marshal Matt Perez says, “College students sometimes haven’t received fire safety education since elementary school and now that they are on their own, it’s more important than ever they are prepared. Campus Fire Safety Month is a reminder for students that fires do happen on and off campus and aims to teach students how to protect themselves if fire affects their campus home.”

Here are some fire safety tips and ways to help keep students safe when choosing a residence:

• Look for housing on and off campus that has sprinklers.
• Make sure that you can hear the building’s fire alarm system.
• Check to make sure all sleeping rooms and common areas have functioning smoke alarms. For optimal protection, all smoke alarms in the home should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound.
• Never remove batteries or disable the alarm.
• Test all smoke alarms at least monthly.
• If you live off campus, have a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room.
• Learn the building’s evacuation plan and practice all drills as if they were the real thing.
• When the smoke alarm or CO alarm sounds, exit the building quickly and stay out until given instructions to return.
• If you smoke, smoke outside and only in designated areas.
• Never leave the kitchen when cooking.
• Check with your local fire department, building management or campus office before using a barbeque grill or fire pit.
• Never overload electrical outlets and check with the school to make sure what electrical appliances are allowed.

More campus fire safety information can be found by visiting OSFM’s website.

Source: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Matt Perez, State Fire Marshal

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Lisa2019-09-23T01:45:04-05:00September 12th, 2019|Comments Off

Successful Activations (Fall Edition 2019)

NOVEMBER 2019

Successful sprinkler activation extinguishes apartment fire

SPRINGFIELD, IL (November 24, 2019) – A minor fire broke out in a third-floor unit of the Spring Meadows Apartments on Butler Street. Crews responded to the incident just after 6:30 p.m.

Springfield Fire Department Battalion Chief Darbin Calvert said the building’s sprinkler system extinguished the fire, though it did cause water damage in two other units on the first and second floors as well as in the unit where the fire started. Calvert added that crews shut off the water quickly and went into “salvage operation”.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation.

Source: The State Journal-Register

Successful sprinkler activation extinguishes accidental fire

PEORIA, IL (November 23, 2019) – An accidental fire at Woodsage Apartments activated the fire sprinkler system, causing heavy water damage to three apartment units. Firefighters responded to the incident around 6 p.m. and found the sprinkler system had already extinguished the fire.

The fire was started by an occupant in unit 303 cooking on the stove and extended to the microwave and cabinets. Two apartments below unit 303 were also affected by water damage due to the sprinkler system. No injuries were reported.

Source: Central Illinois Proud

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Furnace Fire in LaGrange Park Nursing Home

LAGRANGE PARK, IL (November 21, 2019) – A fire sprinkler extinguished a furnace fire in a nursing care and rehabilitation facility with more than 100 occupants. When the LaGrange Park Fire Department arrived, they found a furnace in a sub-basement mechanical room malfunctioned. Flames from the burner area burned some of the insulation below the ductwork. A single fire sprinkler activated, limiting the flame and heat damage to the immediate area.

According to a press released issued by the LaGrange Park Fire Department, water damage was minimal. The fire department assisted the facility staff with clean up, keeping the water in the mechanical room where the incident occurred. No one was injured and no one was evacuated,

Source: Fire Chief Dean Maggos, LaGrange Park Fire Department Press Release

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Fire in Downtown Aurora Apartment

AURORA, IL (November 17, 2019) – Aurora firefighters responded to a fire alarm in an apartment building around 1:30 a.m. on the 1200 block of East Downer Place. Firefighters saw smoke on the upper floors and located the source. A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in the living room area of a second floor apartment.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the resident living in the apartment was displaced and assisted by victim services to find temporary housing.

Source: Aurora Beacon News/Chicago Tribune

Fire Sprinkler Controls Fire In Fifth Floor Apartment

WHEATON, IL (November 6, 2019) – A fire sprinkler controlled a fire in a fifth floor apartment building in Wheaton. Fire officials believe a faulty dryer may have caused the fire. The incident took place around 9 p.m. in the 100 block of North Cross, according to a press release.

When fire crews got to the scene, they say the unit’s fire sprinkler system brought the blaze under control. No other units were affected and no injuries were reported, fire officials say.

Source: Wheaton-Patch

OCTOBER 2019

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Kitchen Fire

CHAMPAIGN, IL (October 18, 2019) – A fire sprinkler controlled and extinguished a stovetop fire in an apartment in the 2000 block of West White Street. The Champaign Fire Department responded to the call at 2:25 a.m. on October 18. Department spokesperson Randy Smith said the flames were contained to the kitchen. The cause of the fire was accidental from cooking.

There were no injuries.

Source: The News Gazette

Fire Sprinklers Contain Fire In Large Warehouse

ELGIN, IL (October 15, 2019) – A fire sprinkler system contained a fire at Marble Works in South Elgin, a 15,000 square foot manufacturing plant and warehouse.

According to a news release from South Elgin Fire District, first arriving fire crews were met by two employees outside the building who reported a large fire inside the plant. Fire sprinklers contained the fire to an area at the center of the warehouse until fire crews extinguished the fire.

The district’s Haz-Mat team determined that there were no hazardous chemicals involved in the fire. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries,

Source: South Elgin Fire District

Fire Sprinkler Contains High Rise Fire In West Loop Starbucks

CHICAGO, IL (October 10, 2019) – No one was injured after fire sprinklers contained a fire at a West Loop Starbucks in the lobby of a high-rise building, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford. The fire broke out at 150 N. Riverside Plaza along the Chicago River on October 10 at 12:20 p.m.

“The fire was contained to the Starbucks, and it looks like everything is under control,” said Langford. He said the sprinkler system engaged and the fire was put out within the hour.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the fire may have started in the brewing machine or dishwasher, Langford said.

Source: Chicago Sun Times

Fire Sprinklers Stop A Fire At Landmark Godfather’s Pizza

PEKIN, IL (October 7, 2019) – A fire sprinkler contained a fire that started in a closet at Godfather’s Pizza. According to Pekin Fire Chief Kurt Nelson, the sprinkler stopped the fire from spreading. Firefighters responded to the call at 2111 Court Street in the early morning of October 7.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to a post on the Godfather’s Pizza Facebook page, the company said it’s a landmark location and one of the oldest Godfather’s in the country.

Source: 25 News – Week.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

Fire Sprinkler Stops Fire From Spreading in St. Charles Restaurant

St. Charles, IL (September 20, 2019) – Fire crews responded to a fire alarm at the Eden on the River restaurant on 1 Illinois Street in St. Charles. Upon arrival firefighters found a fire sprinkler extinguished a grease fire. Patrons and employees were evacuated. There were no injuries.

According to the fire department press release, the cause of the fire is listed as accidental due to cooking and the estimated fire loss is $1,000.

The Geneva, Batavia, West Chicago and South Elgin Fire Departments assisted the St. Charles Fire Department.

Source: St. Charles Fire Department News Release

Park Ridge Pointe Structure Saved by a Single Fire Sprinkler

PARK RIDGE, IL (September 6, 2019) – A single fire sprinkler activated in the bathroom of a second-floor condominium in Park Ridge, extinguishing a fire and saving the structure. Park Ridge fire crews responded to an alarm at the Park Ridge Pointe subdivision on Pavilion Way at 11:33 p.m. on September 6.

“The fire sprinkler system had activated (only one sprinkler head) and had prevented the fire from spreading throughout the structure. Most importantly, no residents or fire personnel were injured,” said Park Ridge Fire Chief Jeff Sorensen.

“The successful activation of the fire sprinkler system limited the damage to the structure and its contents,” he added.

“While the fire sprinklers are designed with fire safety in mind, they typically use a fraction of the water that fire hoses do in order to contain a fire, thus protecting property as well. Since 2001, fire sprinklers have been a requirement in all new construction in Park Ridge, including single-family homes,” Sorensen said.

Source: Journal & Topics

Single Fire Sprinkler Saves Life of Elderly Resident

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – A single fire sprinkler saved the life of an elderly resident in a third floor apartment of the Arlington Heights Senior Living complex. The fire was caused by a wall heating unit and did not extend beyond the room of origin. Smoke was also reduced by the effectiveness of the sprinkler.

“The sprinkler system saved the occupant’s life, extinguished the fire and kept the living facility operational. The fire department’s operations were tremendously aided by the quick response and effectiveness of one sprinkler. Almost all the residents were able to return to their apartments,” said Division Chief Dwayne Wood, Arlington Heights Fire Department.

Source: Division Chief Dwayne Wood, Arlington Heights Fire Department

Lisa2019-12-13T09:28:58-06:00September 11th, 2019|Comments Off