Fire Sprinkler Saves (Spring 2025 Edition)
Spring 2025 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguished Kitchen Fire at the Emblem Apartment Complex
June 30, 2025
OSWEGO, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a kitchen fire at the Emblem Apartment Complex. USA Fire Protection installed the system and services it. The sprinkler was replaced and the system was back in full service.
Source: Erika Jimenez, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, USA Fire Protection
Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguished Bathroom Fire at Chicago Fairfield Inn & Suites
June 28, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a bathroom fire started by kids playing with matches at the Downtown Chicago Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel. The hotel was fully occupied on a busy Saturday night, and no injuries were reported.
Source: Century Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Facebook Post
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Conveyer Belt Fire at Waste Management Recycling Facility
June 23, 2025
HODGKINS, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire on a conveyer belt at the Waste Management Recycling Facility. Fire Marshal Arthur Peters reported that the incident involved a rubbish fire located in the processing area on the second floor. The sprinkler extinguished the fire before the fire department arrived. The location of the fire would have been difficult and time-consuming for the fire companies if there were no sprinklers. “The sprinkler system did a great job, very good save. The sprinkler will be added to Pleasantview’s Sprinkler Tree,” Peters said.
Source: Arthur Peters, Fire Marshal, Pleasantview Fire Protection District
Fire Sprinkler Controls Fire in Assisted Living Facility
June 18, 2025
PEORIA, ILLINOIS – Fire sprinklers controlled a fire in a room in a single-story assisted living facility. When crews from the Peoria Fire Department arrived at the scene, residents were exiting the building. Crews assisted one occupant out of the building. Fire sprinklers controlled the fire until crews extinguished the remaining fire. The facility has 76 patient rooms with more than 130 residents. No injuries were reported.
SOURCE: Battalion Chief Jeff Hascall, Peoria Fire Department, press release
Fire Sprinklers in Hallway Stop Fire from Spreading to Other Parts of Apartment Building
June 2, 2025
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – Fire sprinklers in an apartment building hallway stopped a fire in an apartment unit that did not have fire sprinklers, from spreading outside the unit.
According to Fire Marshal Todd Taylor, Springfield Fire Department, when firefighters arrived, they found smoke and several pieces of furniture on fire in the fifth-floor unit that did not have fire sprinklers. A woman was leaning out of a window, screaming for help. She was able to get out of the apartment on her own.
Taylor credited the sprinklers in the hallway for preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. Firefighters used hoses to extinguish the fire in the unit. There was smoke damage throughout the 5th floor and water damage to the apartments below. Two people are displaced. No injuries were reported.
Source: WCIA.com
Fire Sprinkler Controls Apartment Patio Fire
May 16, 2025
O’FALLON, ILLINOIS – A single fire sprinkler contained an exterior fire on a second-floor patio. According to the O’Fallon Fire Department social media post, the resident was sleeping when the fire occurred. No injuries were reported. “This incident happened during Home Fire Sprinkler Week, a timely reminder of how critical fire prevention systems are.” The O’Fallon Fire Department stated.
Source: O’Fallon Fire Department Facebook Post
Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Hotel Kitchen Fire – Multiple Cats Saved
May 7, 2025
SCHAUMBURG, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a grease fire in a hotel room kitchen. A person inside the building called stating that several cats were trapped in the room. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that the sprinkler extinguished a stovetop fire. No injuries were reported to any occupants or cats.
Source: Michael Rons, Fire Marshal, Schaumburg Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Contain High-Rise Apartment Fire
April 28, 2025
ROCKFORD, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading in a 14th floor unit of Olesen Plaza, a residential high-rise building. Crews arrived to find the sprinklers controlling the fire. They were able to extinguish the remaining fire as residents safely evacuated. Officials credited the sprinkler system for containing the blaze. Olesen Plaza has a history of fire sprinkler saves including one July 2022 and October 2023.
Source: 1440WROK.com and mystateline.com
Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes High-Rise Kitchen Fire
April 15, 2025
ELGIN, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a grease fire on a stove in a unit on the 5th floor of a 9-story apartment building. No injuries were reported.
Source: John Gish, Fire Marshal, City of Elgin Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Contain Fire in Commercial Warehouse
April 14, 2025
AURORA, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in a commercial warehouse. Fire crews arrived to find a fire in a propane-powered forklift that caused the tank to explode. The explosion blew out an overhead door at the rear of the building and several windows and doors at the front. All employees evacuated the warehouse before crews arrived. Fire sprinklers contained the fire while firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.
Fire Sprinklers Contain Restaurant Fire
April 12, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – Fire sprinklers and a gas cut-off system prevented a fire from spreading in a restaurant kitchen. No injuries were reported.
Source: abc7chicago.com
Two Years After Fatal Harper Square Fire, the Trauma Continues as Residents in Nearly 80 Units Remain Displaced
Tinley Park, IL (January 30, 2025) – On January 25, 2023, the Harper Square fire was the first of 17 fires in unsprinklered residential high-rise residences in Chicago that year. It resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries, hundreds of residents displaced, and millions of dollars in property loss and displacements.
Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, compares the incident to the early 2025 California wildfires. “Losing more than 100 residences due to fire in a high-rise building should be viewed as no less tragic than that number of residences lost to fire in a neighborhood. They are both equally devastating to the residents themselves who face long-term displacement and deserve the attention of the public and elected officials,” he says.
For Harper Square residents, the last two years have been a time of uncertainty, stress, frustration and exhaustion as costs mount and insurance coverage has been exhausted. Unfortunately, a similar tragedy could strike again since fire sprinklers are not being retrofit during reconstruction after the fire.
Harper Square was built before the 1975 City of Chicago Code requiring fire sprinklers in all new high-rises. Today, more than 600 residential high-rise buildings in Chicago stand without full fire sprinkler protection, with cost often cited as the reason not to retrofit fire sprinklers.
However, the real question of cost is, “What is the cost of NOT installing fire sprinklers when a fire occurs?” Harper Square is a model example of post-fire costs far exceeding the cost of installing fire sprinklers.
Fire sprinklers prevent these tragedies. Heat from a fire individually activates each sprinkler to extinguish or control the fire while it is small, allowing residents to safely escape. Fire sprinklers are the most effective solution to reduce fire risk, protecting residents, firefighters and property.
“Fire may have shaped Chicago’s history, but we mustn’t let it shape our future,” states Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. “The time is now for our city leaders to readdress fire safety in Chicago’s high-rises – passive fire protection is not enough. Fire sprinklers are the answer.”
For more information about the 17 Chicago high-rise fires in 2023, please visit: https://highriselifesafety.com/high-rise-fires-in-2023/
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Fire Sprinkler Saves (Winter 2025 Edition)
Winter 2025 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Single Fire Sprinkler Controls Fire at ISU Dorm
March 27, 2025
NORMAL, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire in a trash chute at a high-rise dormitory building at Illinois State University. No damage to the building and no reported injuries.
Source: Matt Swaney, Fire Inspector/Public Informational Officer, Normal Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Controls Fire at U.S. Postal Service Facility
March 24, 2025
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire at the U.S. Postal Service sorting facility in Elk Grove Village. According to Deputy Fire Chief Clint Cunz, a worker was grinding a bolt from the floor to remove a machine. The bolt became red hot and shot across the room striking paper and cardboard starting the fire. The fire was kept in check by a sprinkler. People inside the building at the time of the fire all safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Source: JournalTopics.com
Fire Sprinklers Contain Apartment Fire
March 11, 2025
WEST DUNDEE, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in multi-family apartment building. Fire crews arrived to find flames coming from the roof of a unit. The building features 18 multi-story apartments with attached single-car garages. Fire sprinklers limited the spread of the fire as firefighters brought the fire under control. No injuries were reported.
Source: DailyHerald.com
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 Sprinklers Control Fire in a High-Rise Parking Garage
February 3, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a Tesla automobile fire in a high-rise parking garage. The parking garage is protected with fire sprinklers, but the high-rise building is not. No injuries were report.
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
Fire Sprinklers Control Fire in Industrial Facility
December 11, 2024
WHEELING, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at an industrial facility. The fire took place in the processing area of the factory and involved chemicals, which lead to a hazmat response. Due to the quick response of the fire sprinklers, fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the remaining fire.
Source: Dailyherald.com
Fire Sprinkler Saves (Fall 2024 Edition)
Fall 2024 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Fire
December 30, 2024
EVANSTON, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a living room on the ground floor of an apartment building before the fire department arrived. According to Fire Inspector Anthony Yee, Evanston Fire Department, this building was retrofit with an NFPA 13R sprinkler system. No injuries were reported.
Source: Anthony Yee, Fire Inspector and Investigator, Evanston Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Control Restaurant Fire at O’Hare International Airport
December 30, 2024
CHICAGO, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading in a restaurant at O’Hare International Airport. According to the Chicago Fire Department, the fire was caused by a fryer. One employee was taken to the hospital in good condition. No other injuries were reported.
Source: CBSNews.com
Fire Sprinklers Contain a Garden Apartment Fire
December 30, 2024
EVANSTON, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading in a garden-level unit of a three-story apartment building. Fire crews arrived and found smoke and fire in the unit. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire within 30 mins. No injuries were reported.
Source: CBSNews.com
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Fire at Manufacturing Plant
December 17, 2024
GREEN OAKS, IL – Two fire sprinklers extinguished a fire on a machine that adds flammable liquid adhesive to rolls of cloth in a manufacturing plant. The fire was contained to the machine, there was no damage to the structure. Management stated they expected water clean-up to be completed within a few hours and would continue operations in other areas of the plant. According to Lt. Michael Weaver with the Libertyville Fire Department, this was the third fire sprinkler save in Libertyville in 2024.
Source: Lt. Michael Weaver, Director of Fire Prevention, Libertyville Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Control Fire at Paint Factory
December 16, 2024
SYCAMORE, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at the Seymour Paint Company. The fire was caused by a paint can that exploded.
According to Sycamore Fire Chief Bart Gilmore, the building’s water and foam fire suppression system controlled the fire. Fire crews extinguished the remaining flames in under 30 minutes. Two employees were injured and transported to the hospital due to the explosion.
Chief Gilmore said the potential was very bad. “Luckily, they had an excellent suppression system. Luckily, we had a fast response time and the fire was suppressed before any real significant damage became a larger incident,” he said.
Source: wgntv.com
Fire Sprinklers Control Fire in Industrial Facility
December 11, 2024
WHEELING, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at an industrial facility. The fire took place in the processing area of the factory and involved chemicals, which lead to a hazmat response. Due to the quick response of the fire sprinklers, fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the remaining fire.
Source: Dailyherald.com
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Clothes Dryer Fire at Mall
December 3, 2024
FOREST PARK, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire at the Living Word Christian Center located inside a mall. Firefighters arrived to find a sprinkler extinguished flames on top of a dryer. According to Chief Lindsey Hankus, the sprinkler system effectively controlled the fire, resulting in minimal damage in the large structure, preventing thousands of dollars of damage.
Source: Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus, Forest Park Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Fire in High School Woodshop
December 2, 2024
GLENVIEW, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire in the woodshop at Glenbrook South High School. The fire was contained to the one room and was extinguished before fire crews arrived. Students and staff were safely evacuated and one adult was transported and released from the hospital. The building was closed for a day for clean-up and classes resumed the next day.
Source: Journal-topics.com
Fire Sprinklers Control Hotel Fire
November 26, 2024
BEDFORD PARK, IL – Fire sprinklers kept a fire from spreading at the Courtyard Marriott. Fire crews arrived to find a working fire in one of the hotel rooms. The damage was held to the one hotel room. No injuries were report.
Source: Bedford Park Firefighters Local 3571 Facebook Post
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
November 21, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at an off-campus student apartment near the University of Illinois campus. Fire crews arrived on the scene of the two-story, wood frame building to find a scooter with a lithium-ion battery being charged on fire. One occupant was displaced.
Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Contains Apartment Balcony Fire
November 19, 2024
ROMEOVILLE, IL – A single fire sprinkler contained a fire on the exterior balcony of a second-floor apartment unit. fire crews extinguish the remaining fire. Occupants were home at the time of the fire. There were no reported injuries. No residents were displaced as a result of the incident.
Source: William Sterling, Deputy Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief, Romeoville Fire Department
Fire Sprinklers Protect Electronics Recycling Facility
November 11, 2024
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at an electronics recycling facility. The fire started in pallets of lithium-ion batteries.
Source: Kim Prusa, Vice President – Residential Division, Nova Fire Protection
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Hotel Bathroom Fire
November 5, 2024
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a guest bathroom at the Holiday Inn. The hotel manager said a guest reported a fire in her room on the third floor. Firefighters arrived and found light smokey conditions on the third floor. Crews confirmed that the sprinkler extinguished the fire. The fire may have been caused by a light fixture in the bathroom. No injuries were reported. The Arlington Heights Fire Department is crediting the “quick action” of the sprinkler for limiting damage at the hotel.
Source: Patch.com
Fire Sprinkler Controls Apartment Kitchen Fire
October 31, 2024
URBANA, IL – A fire sprinkler kept a kitchen fire from spreading at the Capstone Apartments on Halloween. Fire crews arrived to find smoke coming from an apartment unit. The fire sprinkler contained the fire to the area of the stove, microwave and some kitchen cabinets while crews were able to extinguish the remaining fire. The apartment was not occupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
Source: wandtv.com
Fire Sprinkler Controls Fire at Country Inn and Suites
October 30, 2024
ROCK FALLS, IL – A fire sprinkler stopped a fire from spreading on the first floor of the Country Inn and Suites. Firefighters arrived to find smoke on the first floor and a sprinkler controlling a fire while the building was being evacuated. Fire crews were able to extinguish the remaining fire with a pressurized water extinguisher. It was determined the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. No injuries were reported.
Fire Sprinkler Controls Dryer Fire at Assisted Living Facility
October 28, 2024
BOLINGBROOK, IL – A fire sprinkler controlled a fire that started in a commercial dryer at an assisted living facility. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire inside the dyer barrel. No residents or firefighters were injured.
Source: Patch.com
Fire Sprinkler Controls Dryer Fire at Fitness Center
October 28, 2024
SCHAUMBURG, IL – A fire sprinkler controlled a commercial dryer fire at X-Sport Fitness center. Fire crews arrived to find smoke in the hallway and laundry room and confirmed the fire was held in check by a single sprinkler. Crews extinguished the remaining fire and ventilated the building. No injuries were reported and damage was minimal.
Source: Michael Rons, Fire Marshal, Schaumburg Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Fire at Senior Living Apartments
October 27, 2024
BROADVIEW, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire on the 2nd floor of The Broadview Senior Apartments. Fire crews arrived to find a sprinkler had extinguished the fire before arrival. No injuries were reported.
Fire Sprinklers Control a Fire at Target Store
October 17, 2024
ROSEMONT, IL – Two fire sprinklers activated and stopped a fire from spreading in a diaper aisle at a Target store. Fire crews arrived and were told someone in the store tried to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The store was evacuated. Four people were checked by paramedics, but refused further medical treatment.
Source: DailyHerald.com
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Home Garage Fire
October 15, 2024
LIBERTYVILLE, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguishes a fire in an attached garage of a single-family home. Residents called the fire department after they discovered smoke in a back room of their garage. Libertyville has required all new construction homes to be protected with fire sprinklers since 2005. No injuries were reported and the homeowners were able to return to the home.
Source: DailyHerald.com
Fire Sprinklers Control Arson Fire at Cafe
October 3, 2024
ROCKFORD, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled an arson fire at the Wired Café. Tenants living above the café called 911 after hearing the fire alarm and seeing smoke. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. Damage was limited to the café. No injuries were reported. The suspect was charged with arson.
Source: wrex.com
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Fire at Retirement Community
October 2, 2024
HAZEL CREST, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire at the Waterford Estates Retirement Community. Crews arrived to find smoke coming from a second-floor patio door and an employee who was calling for help from the balcony. According to fire officials, the fire was extinguished by the sprinkler system when crews arrived. The fire was contained to the one unit. Eight people were assessed for smoke inhalation and one was transported to the hospital for evaluation, the other seven declined additional treatment. The fire was determined as accidental. All residents were able to return to their units.
Source: WGNTV.COM
Fire Sprinklers Control Electrical Fire at Salvation Army Family Store
September 15, 2024
OAK LAWN, IL – Two fire sprinklers controlled an electrical fire at the Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center. An electrical fire spread to a pile of combustibles near the loading dock. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported. According to David Wheeler, Oak Lawn Fire Department Bureau Chief, this was proof positive that fire sprinklers work. “Without them there would have been numerous businesses affected with loss of either product or their business.” The store was open for business as soon as the system was returned to service.
Source: David Wheeler, Bureau Chief, Oak Lawn Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Home Garage Fire
October 15, 2024
LIBERTYVILLE, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguishes a fire in an attached garage of a single-family home. Residents called the fire department after they discovered smoke in a back room of their garage. Libertyville has required all new construction homes to be protected with fire sprinklers since 2005. No injuries were reported and the homeowners were able to return to the home.
Source: DailyHerald.com
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
Fire Sprinkler Saves (Spring 2024 Edition)
Spring 2024 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.
Fire Sprinklers Help Control Senior Living High-Rise Fire
June 8, 2024
ROCKFORD, IL – Fire sprinklers helped control a fire in an electrical room in a 15-story senior living high-rise building. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire in the electrical room on the 9th floor. While the sprinklers helped control the fire and stop it from spreading, firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 20 minutes. The building’s electrical system was damaged. As a result, residents were displaced due to loss of power in the residential units. No residents were injured, one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Source: NBC13 WREX.com
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Kitchen Fire at Senior Living Center
May 20, 2024
TINLEY PARK, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished an unattended cooking fire in a second-floor unit of a 3-story senior living center. The fire started on the stove, then spread to the cabinet above when the sprinkler activated. Residents were evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival.
The resident who lived in the unit where the fire occurred suffered first degree burns and was transported to the hospital. All residents were able to return to their units. This is the third fire sprinkler save in this facility since November 2023.
Source: Steve Lorendo, Fire Marshal, Tinley Park Fire Department and Patch.com/Illinois/TinleyPark
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Fire at Automotive Service Business
May 14, 2024
NAPERVILLE, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in an industrial building used to service cars. When fire crews arrived, they forced entry into the building and found smoke. Crews determined the fire sprinkler system prevented the fire spreading to adjacent units. No occupants were in the structure at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
Source: Naperville.il.us
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Manufacturing Plant Fire
May 9, 2024
ALSIP, IL – A fire sprinkler extinguished a fire at a large steel and plastic barrel manufacturing plant. The fire was ignited in a container during grinding operations then spread to the wooden floor. When fire crews arrived, they extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.
Source: Alsip Fire Department
Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Fire in West Pullman
May 9, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (WEST PULLMAN) – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a former educational building that had been converted to apartments for veterans. The cause of the fire may have been smoking in bed. No injuries were reported.
Central States Automatic Sprinklers, Inc. designed, installed and maintains the sprinkler system in this building.
Source: Central States Automatic Sprinklers, Inc. Facebook Post
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 Sprinkler Extinguishes Stove Fire in Apartment Complex
April 27, 2024
WHEELING, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a cooking fire in a first-floor unit of an apartment complex. When fire crews arrived, they found smoke in the first-floor hallway and confirmed that the sprinkler extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.
According to Fire Prevention Manager, Robert Niemiec, Wheeling Fire Department said, “the resident went outside and left food cooking unattended on the stove. The fire occurred in a brand-new apartment complex. Without fire sprinklers in place the damage would have been much worse.”
Source: Robert Niemiec, Fire Prevention Manager, Wheeling Fire Department
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
Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Electrical Fire at Grocery Store
April 5, 2024
HYDE PARK (CHICAGO), IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished an electrical fire in the storage area of a neighborhood grocery store. According to the Chicago Fire Department, the fire was the result of an accidental electrical issue and was extinguished by the fire sprinkler system causing “very slight damage to the structure.”
Source: hpherald.com