April 2020

Source: Deputy Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz, Elmhurst Fire Department

ELMHURST, IL (April 15, 2020) – A fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire at Greencastle Apartments in Elmhurst. When the Elmhurst Engine 1 arrived, they reported a fire sprinkler activated in the kitchen. The fire started on the stove and spread to the cabinet before the sprinkler extinguished the fire.

Greencastle Apartments is a seven story, 80-unit building for residents over the age of 62 or for people with disabilities. Two residents were in the apartment and refused medical treatment.

According to a statement from the Elmhurst Fire Department, the fire was contained to the unit with minimal water damage. The incident could have been much worse if the building was not protected with fire sprinklers. The fire department was alerted by the activation of the sprinkler system.

April 2020

Source: F.E. Moran Fire Protection

CHICAGO, IL (April 10, 2020) – Fire sprinklers kept a fire from spreading at the UPS facility located at 1400 South Jefferson in Chicago, April 10, at midnight. The cause of the fire appeared to be a spark from a conveyor that landed on a cardboard surface.

According to F.E. Moran, the sprinkler contractor that has completed inspection, testing and maintenance at the UPS facility for more than a decade, the system engaged with quick action.

No injuries were reported.

April 2020

BLOOMINGTON, IL (April 2, 2020) – A fire sprinkler contained a fire to one room in an apartment on the fifth floor of the Phoenix Towers in Bloomington Wednesday night. People living in the complex are elderly and people with disabilities, those at higher risk of being injured in a fire. A woman who lived in the affected unit was injured but the fire was contained to its area of origin and did not spread.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and damage estimates are unknown.

Source: 25 News Week.com / The Pantagraph

March 2020

O’FALLON, IL (March, 2020) – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a kitchen trash can at Bella Milano restaurant in O’Fallon after kitchen staff were unable to put it out.

According to NFSA member Dan Love, Boyer Fire Protection, the fire department shut down and drained the fire sprinkler system and staff was able to clean the kitchen before he arrived.

“You could not even tell there had been a fire,” Love said. No injuries were reported.

Source: National Fire Sprinkler Association

March 2020

EVANSTON, IL (March 7, 2020) – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in a kitchen on the 11^th floor of the 24-story Park Evanston apartment tower at 1630 Chicago Avenue. The fire started shortly after 7 p.m. Fire crews extinguished the fire. Occupants safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Source: Evanston Now and Chicago Sun Times

March 2020

OGLESBY, IL (March 6, 2020) – Fire sprinklers extinguished an early morning fire at Advantage Logistics, a distribution center on Mallik Road in Oglesby Friday. A forklift caught fire while being charged. There were no injuries.

As a precaution a mutual aid request was put out to Peru, Tonica and Utica Fire Departments.

Source: LCBC Radio

February 2020

PALATINE, IL (February 29, 2020) – Two fire sprinklers extinguished a fire in an apartment bathroom early Saturday morning.

Firefighters were called to the apartment building located on the 1100 block of North Sterling Avenue in Palatine. Upon arrival they found moderate smoke and the two activated fire sprinklers. The fire was limited to the bathroom.

There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Source:  Daily Herald

February 2020

WEST DUNDEE, IL (February 21, 2020) – A fire sprinkler prevented a fire from spreading into a second floor apartment located at Canterfield Parkway in West Dundee. According to a press release issued from the village, residents heard the alarm after furniture located on the balcony caught on fire. All residents evacuated by the time firefighters arrived. Authorities believe careless use of smoking material caused the fire. No one was injured.

Source:  Daily Herald

February 2020

CHICAGO, IL (February 13, 2020) – Fire sprinklers prevented a fire from spreading in a loading dock at Lake Shore Plaza, a 38-story residential high-rise building in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood.

February 2020

DEERFIELD, IL (February 2, 2020) – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a unit at Coromandel Condominiums on Kelburn Road in Deerfield. According to Fire Marshal Brian McCarthy, Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Protection District, the fire started in the interior compartment of a furnace located in a small closet. The sprinkler in the closet activated and extinguished the fire before the fire department arrived. Four occupants were able to safely escape.

“The sprinkler activated and operated as designed and completely extinguished the fire, which prevented the fire from spreading into concealed spaces. The fire alarm activated which lead to the safe evacuation of the building,” McCarthy said.

Because of the sprinkler activation, extensive damage was prevented. McCarthy estimated the amount saved to be in excess of $1,000,000.

Source: Save-A-Day form. Brian McCarthy, Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Protection District.