A sprinkler head protecting the apartment kitchen of an elderly woman quickly stopped a stove top fire. This fast
suppression was especially timely because it occurred in one of five apartments in the assisted care living facility that
housed memory loss patients. This apartment wing section was separated from the rest of the building a a corridor door,
but unknown to building or fire resources; all apartment doors had been removed to better observe the residents. The fire
occurred when a portable radio ignited that was placed on a stove burner that was unintentionally turned on. Thick black
smoke made its was to the corridor and adjacent apartment units, then the sprinkler activation stopped the fire. A facility
staff member suffered smoke inhalation in the attempt of removing residents, but when firefighters entered the area it was
reasonable clear. The water flow was shut down limiting the water damage to the apartment carpet and a small section of
the corridor floor. The stove and sink area received minor fire damage. Doors have been re-installed and alarm and
evacuation procedures evaluated and changed. The effective coverage of the sidewall sprinkler was especially noted.

Back to Sprinkler Success Stories