Single Sprinkler Head Extinguishes Apartment Fire

A single sprinkler head extinguished a downtown apartment fire this morning, preventing major fire damage to the nine unit building. Madison firefighters were called to 315 S. Henry Street at 10:17 a.m. for a water problem in the building. When Engine 1 arrived, they discovered water coming from the fire sprinkler in a first floor apartment. They found the remains of a small fire that had been snuffed out by a single sprinkler head in the apartment. Firefighters turned off the water supply to the sprinkler head and the electricity in the building. Because the fire was extinguished quickly, there was very little smoke in the building. The fire caused approximately $10,000 damage to the apartment building and some contents. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported at the scene. Fire sprinklers save lives and reduce the damage caused by fire and smoke. • Sprinklers respond quickly and effectively to fire, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives. • Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water on the fire. • Fire sprinklers are environmentally friendly. They can reduce the amount of water run-off and pollution, fire damage by up to 71%, and water usage to fight a home fire by as much as 91%. • Smoke from burned toast will not activate a fire sprinkler. Only the high temperature of a fire will activate the sprinkler or sprinklers closest to the fire.