Effective Sprinkler System Saves Flooring Warehouse From Extensive Fire Damage

Firefighters are crediting an effective alarm and sprinkler system with saving a Virginia flooring warehouse from extensive damage after a fire broke out Monday night.

Firefighters arrived at the Virginia Flooring Supply warehouse in Gainesville, Va., at 11 p.m. Oct. 10 and quickly extinguished the fire, which had originated near a refrigerator, Patch.com reported. The flames caused a moderate amount of damage to the building and large amounts of smoke. There were no injuries, and the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The Prince William County Fire Department credited the warehouse’s fire alarm system with early notification of the smoke and the sprinkler system for preventing the fire’s spread.

“Had the structure not been equipped with these systems, the loss would have been more substantial and the risk to firefighters would have been greater,” the department said in a statement. “Business and homeowners are reminded to make sure your fire protection systems are properly maintained and tested as required.”