April 12, 2021
BENSENVILLE, IL  – A fire sprinklers stopped a kitchen fire from spreading at Castle Towers, a senior citizen living facility. Bensenville Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire on the 4^th floor of the 5- story building. The fire was caused by cooking and spread to the cabinets above the stove, activating the sprinkler. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the remaining fire that was inside the cabinet with a pump can. The building has 148 units. No injuries were reported.

Source: Bensenville Fire Protection District Facebook

April 6, 2021
BARRINGTON, IL  – Two fire sprinklers controlled a fire at Swiss Automation, a 165,000 square foot manufacturing plant. According to Robert Martel, Director of Fire Prevention, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, after making entry into the building, crews found dark smoke, but no visible flame. Two fire sprinklers activated and were controlling the fire.

The fire sprinkler system was put back into service within two hours. The following day, the business was able to start bringing back some of the machines. After one week, repairs were made and the business was at full capacity. According to Martel, the plant manager said that every day that the business is not working at full capacity, more than $200,000 per day is lost. The fire sprinklers prevented a significant loss of business. No injuries were reported.

Source: Robert Martel, Director of Fire Prevention, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District.

April 4, 2021
ANTIOCH, IL  – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a spontaneous combustion fire caused by oily shop rags at High Performance Racing in Antioch. When crews from the Antioch Fire Department entered the building, they were hit with black smoke and water on the ground. The fire started near the washer and dryer, activating the sprinkler.

It is estimated that the sprinkler saved more than $800,000 worth of equipment and the business opened up two days later. Without fire sprinklers, the entire building including the apartment next door would have been a total loss. No injuries were reported.

Source: Fire Inspector Joe Schimanski, Antioch Fire Department.

April 1, 2021

PLAINFIELD, IL  – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire in an apartment complex in Plainfield. The fire was caused by a pan of oil on the stove. It spread to the cabinets and microwave above the stove before the sprinkler activated and put out the fire.

According to a Plainfield Fire Protection District news release the fire was extinguished when they arrived. Firefighters credit the quick thinking of a teenage occupant who made sure everyone heard the smoke alarm and safely evacuated, including a sleeping sibling. Firefighters assisted with smoke removal and clean up. No injuries were reported.

Source: Plainfield Fire Protection District news release