Company 1 recently responded to two incidents involving successful sprinkler activations. On October 20, 2014, units were dispatched to a location on Satchel Page Way for a reported flooding condition. Upon arrival, Truck 1 officer, Captain Watts, determined that an actual fire had occurred in the kitchen area and was extinguished by the residential sprinkler above the kitchen stove. The crew assisted the resident with some minor cleanup and advised the management of the need to replace the one sprinkler head that had activated. With only minor damage, the occupant was able to remain in the unit and a more serious incident and loss was prevented.

On January 12, 2015, units from Company 1 and 7 were dispatched for a kitchen fire in the Breton Bay area. Upon arrival, the crew from Engine 11, under the command of Captain Watts, entered the structure to find a sprinkler activated in the kitchen area from a fire on the stove. Investigation continued with a thermal imager to determine if any extension occurred in the wall and cabinets. No further extension was found and crews from Engine 11 and Truck 1 assisted in cleanup of water in the kitchen area. Maintenance personnel were advised to replace the one sprinkler head that had activated and units went in service in 30 minutes. Minor damage resulted to the stove and cabinets but significant damage and potential injuries were prevented by the installation of the residential sprinkler system in this home. The occupants at this location were able to remain in this property due to the minor damage from the fire.

As the increased use of sprinkler systems in residential properties occurs, we continue to see successful activation and extinguishment throughout St. Mary’s County. These systems and the use of smoke detectors play a major role in the reduction of fire damage, injuries and more importantly loss of life by uncontrolled fire.