Redwood City, CA - Damage from a fire at the Pacific Euro Hotel last Thursday was only minor, thanks to a recently-installed fire control sprinkler system. The fire was reported at approximately 12:18 pm on February 28, when smoke was discovered in the hotel, located at 868 Main Street in Redwood City. Quick response and investigation by Redwood City fire fighters
determined that there was a stove-top fire in the kitchen unit of one of the rooms. Fortunately, the fire control sprinkler system had activated appropriately and put the fire out before significant property damage, loss of business, or possible injury or loss of life could occur.

"This is a good example of how important it is to install and maintain fire control sprinkler systems," said Louis Vella, Administrative Chief/Fire Marshal of the Redwood City Fire Department. "When the building was remodeled last year, an up-to-date sprinkler system was installed, and I'd say that system just paid for itself."

Last week's fire took place near the location of a seven-alarm fire last summer in a building that did not have sprinklers. That building was heavily damaged and is still closed while repairs continue. This comparison serves to illustrate that fire control sprinklers, when properly installed, inspected, and maintained, will make a huge difference in the event of a fire.

The City's Fire Prevention Bureau and Building Inspection Department are responsible for ensuring that new buildings and their fire control systems are adequate and up-to-date. City inspections ensure that new buildings are not only equipped with an appropriate fire control system, but also that the design and construction serve to maximize fire safety. Other items which contribute to fire safety in a new building include the type of construction, fire-rated wall, floor, and door materials, and the building's corridor configuration (related to emergency exit). Through all of these combined efforts, fire safety can be maximized.