Uncategorized Archives - Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board

Helping Communities Close the High-Rise Safety Gap Summit June 9

National High-Rise Retrofit Summit
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue SIX10 (610 S. Michigan Avenue)
Chicago, IL

EVENT DETAILS
The program is FREE to attend, but registration is required.
Hosted by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) in cooperation with the Chicago Fire Department.
The summit also includes a social reception at the Hilton Chicago on the evening of June 8 and optional high-rise tours on the morning of June 10.

For more details, registration and room block information at the Hilton Chicago visit www.bit.ly/highrise2026

THE CHALLENGE
Across the U.S., thousands of occupied high-rise buildings, many constructed before modern fire protection standards, still operate without automatic fire sprinkler systems and other essential life-safety features. Even small fires can rapidly escalate into multi – alarm emergencies that place residents at risk and take a toll on fire department resources.

How do we responsibly modernize safety in aging high-rise buildings while also preserving affordable housing?

A RESULTS-DRIVEN APPROACH

Municipal leaders, fire service professionals, housing officials, building owners, engineers, and safety experts will explore practical solutions for modernizing life safety in existing high-rise buildings.

• Proven retrofit strategies and best practices

• Cost and financing models for fire protection upgrades

• Policy and code considerations

• Lessons from successful retrofit projects

Join the national conversation to move beyond awareness toward real solutions that communities and buildings can implement. Safe housing is stable housing. Strong communities depend on both.

For questions, please contact Erik Hoffer, [email protected], 708-0403-4468.

High-Rise-Retrofit-Summit-Flyer

Lisa2026-03-23T11:03:31-05:00March 23rd, 2026|Comments Off

Winter 2026 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Candle Fire at U of I Student Apartment

March 28, 2026
CHAMPAIGN, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished bedding that was ignited by a candle in a student apartment. The fire, located on the third floor, was extinguished before fire crews arrived. “This is a newer apartment building on campus that replaced one that wasn’t protected by sprinklers, so this could have been a very different outcome,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Jeremy Mitchell.

Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department

Fire Sprinklers Control Restaurant Grill Fire

March 20, 2026
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a fire that started on the grill at Rhythm Kitchen Restaurant. Employees used a fire extinguisher to put out the remaining fire before fire crews arrived. The fire was contained to the griddle and surrounding vent system. The restaurant was open at the time of the fire. All employees evacuated safety. No injuries were reported.

Source: Peoria IL Fire Department’s Post (Facebook)

Fire Sprinklers Control Grease Fire at Local Restaurant

March 12, 2026
GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL – Fire Sprinklers controlled a grease fire at a restaurant located in a strip mall. Firefighters arrived to find fire coming from a rooftop exhaust fan. A grease fire started under a commercial kitchen range hood. The fire sprinklers contained the fire to the point of origin. “We are thankful that the sprinklers did their job protecting both life and property,” said Fire Marshal Michael Gross, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District No. 1. “The damage from the fire was limited to a small area due to the presence of sprinklers.”

Source: Michael Gross, Fire Marshal, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District No. 1

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Dryer Fire

February 27, 2026
CHICAGO RIDGE, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a dryer fire on the 2nd floor of a multi-family apartment building. Firefighters arrived to find smoke from the second floor. A firefighter was prepared to use a pump can when the sprinkler above the dryer activated. Fire Chief Bob Smart said, “The sprinkler system worked as installed.” No injuries were reported.

Source: Robert Smart, Fire Chief, Chicago Ridge Fire Department

Fire Sprinklers Control Dryer Fire at Marriott Hotel

February 21, 2026
NORMAL, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a fire in the guest laundry room at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The fire originated in a dryer. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the remaining flames. Hotel guests were allowed to return to their rooms. No injuries were reported.

Source: Normal Fire Department (Normal, Il)’s Post – Facebook

Fire Sprinklers Control Grease Fryer Fire at McDonald’s

February 15, 2026
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a grease fire at a McDonald’s restaurant. Firefighters arrived to find a deep fryer fire being held in check by the sprinklers. The fire was contained to the fryer and surrounding vent system. Fire crews used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the remaining fire. The restaurant was open at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. The McDonald’s will remain closed until repairs are completed and the health department conducts an inspection.

Source: 25newsnow.com

Fire Sprinklers Control Townhome Garage Fire

February 12, 202
GENEVA, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a fire in a two-car attached garage of a two-story, multi-unit townhome building. Firefighters arrived to find light smoke from the garage. All residents evacuated before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported. The townhome remained habitable.

Source: Patch.com/Illinois/geneva

Fire Sprinklers Control Equipment Fire at Suncast Corporation

February 7, 2026
BATAVIA, IL – Fire sprinklers contained an equipment fire inside a powder coat booth at a manufacturing facility. Employees tried to extinguish the fire using fire extinguishers before evacuating. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire and checked the building to ensure the fire didn’t spread. The building remained in use after the incident. No injuries were reported.

Source: Batavia Fire Department’s Post on Facebook

Fire Sprinklers Control Apartment Complex Garage Fire

February 5, 2026
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in a garage at a 6-unit, 2-story multifamily apartment complex. Upon arrival, fire crews located an active fire alarm and observed smoke coming from the garage. Crews noted a small fire that was being held in check by an operating residential sprinkler. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining fire. No residents or firefighters were injured. All residents were able to return to their units. No residents were displaced. Battalion Chief Brian Tamason with the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department said the incident serves as a powerful example of the life-saving importance of fire sprinkler systems.

Source: lakemchenryscanner.com

Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Apartment Unit Fire

January 31, 2026
GIBSON CITY, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire at the Schoolhouse Apartments in one of the units, 32-unit apartment building. This same building had a save in an arson fire about 30 days ago. Upon arrival, fire crews found the unit with moderate smoke and a small fire had been extinguished by the sprinklers. One resident was assisted out of the unit for treatment. The fire department was not aware of this person being transported from the scene.

Source: wcia.com/news

Fire Sprinklers Control Restaurant Kitchen Fire

January 28, 2026
PLAINFIELD, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a kitchen fire at the Hop Scotch & Vine Restaurant. Fire crews encountered heavy smoke and an active kitchen fire. Fire sprinklers stopped the fire from spreading. “All indications show the sprinkler system played a critical role in stopping this fire from spreading beyond the kitchen,” said Deputy Fire Chief Mark Reynolds. “Because the system activated as designed, firefighters were able to gain control quickly and prevent a much larger and more dangerous incident.” All occupants of the restaurant and neighboring businesses were safety evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Source: Plainfield Fire Protection District Facebook Post – Vito Bonomo, Fire Chief, Plainfield Fire Protection District

Fire Sprinklers Control a Machine Fire at Packaging Company

January 15, 2026
NEW LENOX, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a baling machine fire at Smurfit Westrock paper/packaging company. Fire crews arrived to find a baling machine on fire in an isolated room, with smoke conditions throughout the building. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.

Source: New Lenox Fire District’s Facebook Post

Fire Sprinkler Controls Restaurant Kitchen Fire

January 11, 2026
O’FALLON, IL – A fire sprinkler controlled a kitchen fire at a Texas Roadhouse restaurant. An O’Fallon patrol officer reported smoke and flames coming from the roof. Fire crews entered the kitchen and discovered a fryer on fire caused by an exposed electrical outlet behind the fryer. A fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the remaining fire. The hood suppression system failed to activate because of a corroded linkage. The hood system was scheduled for routine inspection. The fire was contained to the area of origin, and the business reopened the next day. No injuries were reported.

Source: Brad White, Fire Chief, O’Fallon Fire Department

Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Office Building Fire

January 9, 2026
SKOKIE, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire at an unoccupied 3-story building under construction. The fire was caused by oily rags. The Skokie Fire Department reported that fire sprinklers and a quick-fire alarm response minimized building damage. The construction project remains on schedule. No injuries were reported.

Source: Skokie Fire Department

Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Condo Dumpster Fire

January 7, 2026
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a dumpster fire in the basement of a four-story condominium building. When crews arrived, there was no smoke or flames visible from the exterior of the building. Firefighters located a dumpster in the basement where a single fire sprinkler directly above the dumpster extinguished the fire. According to the Rolling Meadows Fire Department the incident is a powerful reminder of how automatic fire sprinkler systems save lives, limit fire spread, and significantly reduce property damage. Without fire sprinklers, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

Source: Rolling Meadows Fire Department’s Facebook Post

Fire Sprinklers Control Amazon Warehouse Fire

January 5, 2026
JOLIET, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a fire in the storage racks of an Amazon Warehouse. When crews from the Joliet Fire Department arrived, the warehouse was filled with smoke. The fire was deep inside the warehouse and beyond reach of the initial attack lines. Fire sprinklers kept the fire in check while firefighters worked around the storage racks to extinguish the remaining fire. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with a shoulder injury.

Source: Patch.com

Single Fire Sprinkler Controls Fitness Center Fire

January 4, 2026
COUNTRYSIDE, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire on the second-floor mezzanine of the L.A. Fitness Center. Fire crews encountered smoke on the second floor and used a pressurized water can to extinguish the remaining fire. No injuries were report. This sprinkler save was added to the Pleasantview Fire Protection District’s Sprinkler Save Tree.

Source: Art Peters, Fire Marshal, Pleasantview Fire Protection District

Fire Sprinkler Controls Fraternity House Refrigerator Fire

January 2, 2026
CHAMPAIGN, IL A single fire sprinkler kept a fire from spreading in a second-floor room of a fraternity house. According to Champaign Deputy Fire Marshal Jeremy Mitchell, a compressor on a dorm style refrigerator failed causing a fire in the refrigerator and nearby contents. No injuries were reported.

Source:Champaign Deputy Fire Marshal Jeremy Mitchell

Mary Lukens2026-01-08T14:15:54-06:00January 6th, 2026|Comments Off

Fall 2025 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Mechanical Room Fire at Senior Living Community

December 31, 2025
GENEVA, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in the mechanical room of a 3-story senior living building. The fire originated in a fluorescent ceiling light fixture. Upon arrival, fire crews detected an electrical burning odor in the hallway. Crews entered the mechanical room to find a charred ceiling-mounted fluorescent light fixture and the fire sprinkler that extinguished the fire 3 feet away. No injuries were reported.

Source: Geneva Fire Department

Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Fire at Walmart

December 31, 2025
WOODSTOCK, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire at the back of a Walmart store. Employees advised fire crews that there had been an active fire inside the building. When crews arrived, fire sprinklers had extinguished the fire. Employees and customers evacuated the building. No injuries were reported.

Source: Lakemchenryscanner.com and NE Illinois Emergency Incident’s Facebook Post

Fire Sprinklers Control Restaurant Fire

December 30, 2025
WESTMONT, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a restaurant kitchen fire that began on a stove, spread into a grease chute and reached the roof. Sprinklers kept the fire from spreading inside the building. Fire crews used a hose to extinguish the roof fire. No injuries were reported.

Source: Westmont Fire Department Facebook Post

Fire Sprinkler Extinquishes Arson Apartment Fire

December 26, 2025
GIBSON CITY, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a second-floor apartment unit of a three story, 32-unit apartment building.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered smoke in the apartment and determined that the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system had extinguished the fire. A 71-year old man was charged with aggravated arson for allegedly setting fire to his apartment. There were no reported injuries.

“We determined that the sprinkler system had (already) put the fire out, so we didn’t have to use any truck water or anything. The sprinkler system did its job,” said Fire Chief Bruce Kallal of the Gibson City Fire Protection District.

Source: Ford County Chronicle

Fire Sprinkler Controls Kitchen Fire at Banquet Facility

December 24, 2025
BEECHER, IL – A single fire sprinkler kept a fire from spreading at a large banquet facility, containing it to the area of origin. Upon arrival, crews found a working fire in the kitchen area, with the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system activated. The fire was declared under control within ten minutes of the first crew’s arrival. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

“This incident highlights the critical role automatic fire sprinkler systems play in limiting fire growth, reducing damage, and improving life safety,” said Fire Chief Joseph Falaschetti of the Beecher Fire Protection District. “Properly installed and maintained sprinklers help protect occupants, responding firefighters, and businesses by minimizing property loss and recovery time.”

Source: Beecher Fire Protection District Press Release

Fire Sprinkler Stops Fire From Spreading in Hotel Unit

December 18, 2025
LANSING, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire in a unit at a Red Roof Inn. Crews from the Lansing Fire Department arrived to find a fire that originated in the back of a small refrigerator and extended up a wall. Crews were able to extinguish the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.

According to Lansing Deputy Chief Randall Wright, the sprinkler system was installed in 2024 because of an updated Village ordinance that requires all hotels and motels to be retrofit with fire sprinklers. Wright said that despite extensive hoarding conditions in the unit, the sprinkler effectively held the fire in check until crews arrived. He said the incident highlights the direct life and property safety benefit of that ordinance.

Source: Village of Lansing Fire Department, Deputy Chief Randall E. Wright

Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Mattress Fire at Senior Residential High-Rise Building

December 6, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a mattress fire on the second floor of a 19-story senior residential building. No injuries were reported.

Source: Firedog Media’s Post (Facebook) & newsbreak.com

Fire Sprinklers Control Fire at Love’s/Speedco Truck Service

December 5, 2025
CHANNAHON, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at Love’s/Speedco Truck Service facility. Firefighters from the Channahon Fire Protection District arrived to find a fire in the east maintenance bay. Fire sprinklers controlled the fire, firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. Ther were no occupants at the time of the fire.

According to the Channahon Fire Protection District, this incident highlights the importance of the facilities’ well-maintained fire suppression system and its fire alarm system. This scenario reinforces the value of properly maintained sprinklers, alarm notification equipment and initiation devices to ensure reliable performance when needed.

Source: Channahon Fire Protection District Facebook Post (Press Release)

Fire Sprinklers Extinguish Apartment Fire

December 2, 2025
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers extinguished a trash fire in the 5th floor hallway of an apartment building. When fire crews arrived, they confirmed that the fire was extinguished and confined to the hallway. All residents were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Source: Peoria Fire Department Press Release (via Facebook)

Home Fire Sprinkler Controls Basement Fire

November 17, 2025
HIGHLAND PARK, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire in the basement of a two-story, single-family home. Residents and a plumbing contractor were in the home at the time of the fire and attempted to extinguish the fire until the sprinkler activated. Fire crews arrived and extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported. The residents were able to remain in the home.

Source: lakemchenryscanner.com

Fire Sprinklers Controlled a Cooking Fire

November 5, 2025
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a cooking fire in an apartment kitchen. All residents were safely evacuated, no injuries were reported. According to the Peoria Fire Department, the same Peoria Housing Authority apartment complex had a sprinkler save on January 1, 2024. This is the second Peoria save in an apartment building this week and third in the last 2-1/2 weeks.

Source: Peoria Fire Department Press Release

Fire Sprinklers Control Fire at Corrugated Supply Company

November 4, 2025
ALSIP, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at Alsip Mini Mill, a corrugated supply company. Firefighters from the Alsip Fire Department arrived and extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.

Source: Alsip Fire Department

Fire Sprinklers Control Apartment Arson Fire

November 3, 2025
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in an apartment building in Downtown Peoria. Fire crews were able to extinguish the remaining fire. A suspect has been arrested for allegedly starting the fire in her apartment. All residents were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Source: 25newsnow.com

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Dorm Fire at Olivet Nazarene University

November 1, 2025
BOURBONNAIS, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in the common area of a college dorm building at Olivet Nazarene University. When crews arrived, they discovered a toaster had started on fire on the second floor. According to Fire Chief Jim Keener, the sprinkler activated as it was designed. One sprinkler activated and extinguished the fire. A fire watch was established until a sprinkler contractor made the repairs, allowing occupants on the third and fourth floor to return to their rooms.

Source: Jim Keener, Fire Chief, Bourbonnais Fire Protection District

Fire Sprinkler Controls University of Illinois Dorm Room Fire

October 24, 2025
URBANA, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a dorm on the second floor of University of Illinois’ Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall. The fire was contained to the one room. No injuries were reported.

Source: Tri-State Fire Alerts Facebook Post

Fire Sprinklers Control Apartment Fire

October 20, 2025
PEORIA, IL – Fire sprinklers contained a fire in a unit in a five-story apartment building. Fire crews were able to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire was contained to a single unit. All residents were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

According to a press release from the Peoria Fire Department, the fire was intentionally set. This incident underscores the critical importance of code-compliant fire protection systems in multi-story residential buildings. The sprinklers significantly reduced potential damage and risk to residents.

Source: Peoria IL Fire Department Media Release

Fire Sprinklers Control Machinery Fire at Local Business

October 10, 2025
ROCK ISLAND, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading at the Tri-City Heat Treat building. Crews arrived and found a fire in a piece of machinery. They were able to extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.

Source: kwqc.com

Fire Sprinklers Stop Vehicle Fire in Parking Garage at Student Apartments

October 2, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Fire sprinklers controlled a van fire in the underground parking garage of student apartments near the University of Illinois in Champaign. According to responding crews, the sprinklers contained the fire. There was no damage to the building and students were not displaced. According to Deputy Fire Marshal Jeremy Mitchell, Champaign Fire Department, the rapid activation of the fire sprinklers minimized property damage and ensured the safety and wellbeing of residents. Fire officials are calling it a big win!

Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department

Mary Lukens2025-10-08T13:01:39-05:00October 8th, 2025|Comments Off

Elgin, Winnetka & Zion Are Some of the Latest Home Fire Sprinkler Communities

The municipalities of Elgin, Zion, & Winnetka updated their municipal codes to the 2021 editions of the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Fire Code (IFC). Each of their IRC adoptions include requirements for new one- and two-family homes to be protected with fire sprinklers.

Elgin Fire Department

Elgin Fire Marshal John Gish said the code process went smooth. “Fire sprinklers can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in a house fire by controlling and possibly extinguishing the flames before they spread, thus allowing residents time to escape,” Gish said. “Knowing that your home is equipped with a fire sprinklers can provide peace of mind, knowing that an additional layer of safety is in place to protect your family and property.”

According to Winnetka Fire Chief John Ripka, the Winnetka village council supported the proposed changes and was inquisitive about the process and associated costs to ensure they could make informed decisions. Ripka explained that the home fire sprinkler requirement would greatly improve fire safety for residents. He provided localized information and resources from the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB).

Winnetka Fire Department

“I crafted an issue memorandum to share with the village council during the code update process,” Ripka said. “The memo covered the history of residential sprinklers in Winnetka, sprinkler facts, area trends, positive/negative implications, and the staff recommendation.”

“The community benefits because residential fire sprinklers are designed to save lives by controlling fires quickly and allowing occupants time to escape, while also reducing property damage by about 70 percent,” Ripka said. “Sprinklers will also reduce the risk to firefighters that have to enter burning structures.”

Zion Fire Chief Justin Stried said the members of Zion City Council believed their code update was in the best interest of the community. “After multiple discussions with our building department director, city administrator, and city council, it was agreed that amending or removing little from the codes was best for the safety of our residents and businesses,” Stried said. “It was understood that adding home fire sprinklers to new homes incurred minimal cost, but the safety and security benefits far outweigh the expense.”

Zion Fire & Rescue Department

Stried highlighted the valuable assistance from Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, providing him and the council with data and key talking points about how home fire sprinklers save property and lives. Overall, Stried sees this successful effort as a net positive for the community of Zion.

Congratulations to fire, building, and elected officials in Elgin, Winnetka and Zion for recognizing the growing dangers of today’s home fires and choosing to proactively protect their residents and firefighters through these code updates!

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Lisa2025-08-26T00:41:41-05:00August 26th, 2025|Comments Off

Summer 2025 Sprinkler Saves. You can submit stories here and view other saves here.

Fire Sprinklers Control Manufacturing Plant Fire

September 16, 2025
LIBERTYVILLE, IL – Fire sprinklers stopped a fire from spreading in a factory warehouse. The fire started in machinery on the facility’s production line. Fire sprinklers contained the fire to the equipment. There was no damage to the building. Workers were able to return to the building safely. No injuries were reported.

Source: Lakemchenryscanner.com and dailyherald.com

Fire Sprinklers Control Strip Mall Fire

August 23, 2025
BUFFALO GROVE, IL – Fire sprinklers prevented a fire from spreading in a vacant unit in a strip mall. Fire crews arrived to find smoke coming from the rear of the unit and determined that fire sprinklers controlled the fire. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire. No injuries were reported.

Source: LakeMcHenryScanner.com

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Fire

August 2, 2025
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a unit on the first floor of a two-story multi-family apartment building. Fire crews arrived to an alarm. They located and extinguished the remainder of the fire. Damage was isolated to the room of origin. Fire crews safely rescued two cats from the unit where the fire occurred. The cats were not injured and reunited with their owners.

Sources: Tri-State Fire Alerts Facebook Post and lakemchenryscanner.com

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Candle Fire at Public Housing Apartment

August 2, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Two saves in two days in Champaign! A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire in a bedroom of a public housing apartment unit. The fire was caused by an unattended candle. A dog in the bedroom was not injured. Fire damage was confirmed to the one unit. No injuries were reported.

Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Fire at El Portal Restaurant

August 1, 2025
STREAMWOOD, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a fire at the El Portal Restaurant. No injuries were reported.

Source: Tri-State Fire Alerts Facebook Post

Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Off-Campus Student Apartment Fire

July 31, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a stovetop fire when the cleaning crew accidently left a plastic tray on the stovetop and turned on a burner. Damage was confined to the area around the stove in a single unit at the West Quad off-campus student apartment complex. No injuries were reported.

Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department

Fire Sprinkler Controls Arson Fire in Senior High-Rise Apartment Building

July 30, 2025
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A single fire sprinkler controlled a fire at the Sangamon Tower Apartments. Many of the residents have disabilities and are senior citizens. The fire was intentionally started in an apartment unit on the 10th floor. Two people were injured and transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

“The fire itself was out very quickly,” Fire Chief Nick Zummo said. “The sprinkler system did a good job of holding it at bay and we were able to finalize it.”

Source: newschannel20.com

Fire Sprinklers Control High School Fire

July 13, 2025
LA SALLE, IL – Fire sprinklers prevented a fire from spreading in a first-floor maintenance shop at La Salle Peru High School. The first floor was closed during clean-up. Students attending summer school on the first floor had to be directed to alternate classrooms. All other floors remained open. No injuries were reported.

Source: starvedrock.media

Fire Sprinklers Control Middle School Fire

July 11, 2025
GENEVA, IL – Fire sprinklers kept a fire from spreading at the Geneva middle School. Firefighters arrived to find moderate smoke on the first floor of the two-story building. The fire started when a carpet fan malfunctioned, and flames extended to a janitor’s cart. The building was not occupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Source: csbnews.com

Single Fire Sprinkler Extinguishes Apartment Cooking Fire

July 1, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, IL – A single fire sprinkler extinguished a grease cooking fire at the Hunters Pond Run Apartments. The apartment unit is in the middle of apartments built with lightweight construction material with minimal fire-stopping. The fire sprinkler kept the fire from spreading to other units.

Source: Jeremy Mitchell, Deputy Fire Marshal, Champaign Fire Department

Mary Lukens2025-07-11T10:00:13-05:00July 1st, 2025|Comments Off

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.

Source: Aurora Illinois Fire Department Facebook Post

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

Mary Lukens2025-04-21T10:07:00-05:00April 21st, 2025|Comments Off

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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Lisa2025-03-14T13:29:36-05:00January 30th, 2025|Comments Off

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.

Source: Tri-State Fire Alerts Facebook Page

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

Mary Lukens2025-01-09T13:08:37-06:00January 1st, 2025|Comments Off

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

Lisa2024-12-18T10:22:43-06:00December 11th, 2024|Comments Off

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

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.

Source: Rock Falls Fire Department Facebook Post

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.

Source: Broadview Fire Department Facebook Post

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

Mary Lukens2024-10-22T12:11:38-05:00October 22nd, 2024|Comments Off

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