Press Release - April 10, 2007

Date:
April 10, 2007

Contact:
Matthew Owens, CFI, CFPS - Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext. 1; Email: mowens@wcfmo.org

SPRINKLERS SAVE BERLIN APARTMENT BUILDING

“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated an apartment fire which occurred on April 9, 2007 in Berlin. The 15:24 p.m. fire was located at 10218 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Maryland. Located at this address are the Decatur Apartments. The fire was reported in unit 1102. The fire was reported by a neighbor which observed fire visible. First arriving fire units heard the sound of a sprinkler alarm sounding and reported light smoke extending from apartment 1102. Upon further investigation, firefighters advised the fire had been contained by the buildings automatic sprinkler system. The fire originated on the stove top and extended into the hood and cabinets above the cooking surface. One sprinkler head, which was located in the kitchen, activated and controlled the fire until the arrival of the fire service. The structure was occupied at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped prior to the fire departments arrival and no injuries were reported. Firefighters assisted with minor smoke removal. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately 1 hour. The cause of the fire is listed as unattended cooking.”

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NOTE: Remember, it was the quick response of the apartment’s Residential Sprinkler System which saved live and property. Having a sprinkler system installed in your home is like having a firefighter on-duty at all times. The simple concept behind the quick response residential sprinkler system is to put water on the fire sooner, while it is still small. Thereby controlling or extinguishing the fire, reduce fire and water damage, reduce the smoke and toxicity problem and thus save lives and prevent serious injury from fire.

SCENE PHOTOS
(Photos By: Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb, Jr.)