Sprinkler System Activates Due to Unattended Cooking.
At 1226 a.m. the Fitchburg Engine #3 was dispatched to an address on Halite Way in the City of Fitchburg for the report of a water flow alarm. Prior to Engine #1’s arrival, Dane County Public Safety Communications reported possible smoke/fire and upgraded the response to a structure fire. The appropriate units were added to the assignment. Within 5 minutes of the initial call, crews arrived on location and investigated the cause of alarm.
First arriving crews found smoke and water coming from one of the 5 residential units in the building. Upon entering the affected unit, firefighter observed that smoke detectors were activated. It was also noted that the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system were activated. Crews confirmed that the fire was controlled by a single, activated sprinkler head. The fire, which had originated on the stove, extended to the hood and some of the cabinets.
The resident stated that they had started to warm a pan of oil on the stove and then fell asleep in a nearby chair. The resident awoke to the smoke detectors alarming and the sprinkler system activating. The resident was able to evacuate the apartment. All occupants (including two dogs) were unharmed.
FitchRona EMS evaluated the resident for medical treatment- transport was not indicated.
Fitchburg units remained on scene to ventilate the residence and secure the fire suppression system.
The activation of the building’s fire sprinkler system saved up to $1,200,000 in value to building contents. It was also noted that the home owner was able to escape because the fire was controlled. The fire caused approximately $10,000 - $20,000 in damage. The resident (and dogs) of the affected unit were displaced; while the other 4 families of the building were able to stay in their residences.
The Fitchburg Fire Department was assisted by FitchRona EMS and Fitchburg police Department.
Helpful Reminders:
- Take this time to check your smoke detectors to ensure they are operating properly. Working smoke detectors save lives.
- Fire sprinklers prevent devastating damage by extinguishing fire quickly, thus reducing the damage cause by smoke and fire.
- Installing home fire sprinklers and smoke detectors increase your chance of surviving a fire by more than 82%.