Residential Sprinkler Prevents Potentially Devastating Fire

A residential sprinkler system activation has once again highlighted the importance of residential sprinkler systems after it extinguished a small fire at a townhome in Lansdowne last Wednesday.

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Jan. 18 Lansdowne Rescue Engine 622 was dispatched to a townhome in the 43000 block of McDowell Square for a fire alarm. The engine arrived on scene to find that a residential sprinkler system had activated, extinguishing a small fire in the garage. The rescue engine’s crew confirmed the fire had not spread into the walls or adjoining rooms and helped ventilate the residence.

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s investigation concluded that a cardboard box that ignited as a result of improperly discarded smoking materials caused a small fire in the garage of the town home. The residential sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire.

Because the fire was controlled and ultimately extinguished by a single sprinkler head activation, the fire itself was not allowed to cause any damage. The water damage from the sprinkler is estimated at approximately $10,000 to $15,000. A similar fire, left uncontrolled by sprinkler(s), typically generates significantly higher damages.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, when residential fire sprinklers are installed, the chances of dying in a fire are reduced by 69 percent, when compared to a home without sprinklers. 

When both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82 percent, when compared to a home without either. 

“These statistics along with incidents such as this townhouse fire, clearly show the positive impact residential sprinkler systems can have on potentially deadly home fires,” said Chief Fire Marshal Linda Hale.  “Rapid fire extinguishment and reduction in property loss are only some of the benefits demonstrated when these residential sprinkler systems are in place.” 

For facts about residential sprinkler systems, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.  Questions regarding fire safety, smoke alarms and public education can be directed to Joy Dotson, Public Education Manager, at 703-771-5551 or via email at joy.dotson@loudoun.gov .