Mount Prospect fires show importance of automatic sprinklers
On Saturday, Oct. 24, at approximately 5:58 p.m., the Mount Prospect Fire Department responded to an activated fire alarm in the building at 1751 Linneman Road.
As firefighters were investigating the fire alarm, they discovered an activated sprinkler was controlling a vehicle fire inside the building. Firefighters extinguished the fire, limiting fire damage to the vehicle.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, at approximately 3:43 p.m., the Mount Prospect Fire Department responded to a report of an oven fire at 290 Westgate Road. As firefighters entered the dwelling unit, they discovered that one activated fire sprinkler was controlling an oven fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire, limiting fire damage to the stove area.
No injuries were reported as a result of these fires. Without the automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems, the loss to both of these buildings could have been much more significant. The estimated fire damage for both of these fires was $125,000, with a total property value saved in excess of $5 million.
"The positive result of these fires represents the excellent work that our entire fire department does on a daily basis," stated Interim Fire Chief Brian Lambel. "The fire suppression was extremely effective due to the training and professional operations of our firefighters. The automatic fire sprinkler systems performed as designed due to the inspections, code enforcement and the development review role our Fire Prevention Bureau performs. The outcome of these fires could have been much different if all of these components had not come together."
Fire sprinklers work because they do not rely on human factors. Unlike the common myth that all sprinklers in the building activate at once, only the fire sprinkler above the actual fire activates.
Automatic fire sprinklers operate in the area where a fire starts, preventing it from growing uncontrolled to a dangerous size while simultaneously sounding an alarm and notifying the fire department.
Because of the proven effectiveness of automatic fire sprinklers and the enhanced life safety features they provide, the Village of Mount Prospect requires all new construction be protected by automatic fire sprinklers. This requirement includes new townhouses and single-family residences.
For information regarding automatic fire sprinklers, or the requirements for testing and maintenance of sprinkler and fire alarm systems, contact the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 818-5253.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.