KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Spokane firefighters demonstrate benefits of sprinkler systems

Spokane firefighters demonstrate benefits of sprinkler systems

Posted:
SPOKANE, Wash. - Fire sprinkler systems are common in commercial buildings across the country, but not in homes. 

Firefighters show how quickly a structure without a sprinkler system can go up in flames. To see a larger version, click here.

The Spokane Fire Department says that's a problem and lit two fires to illustrate just how quickly a sprinkler can stop a spreading fire.

"Sometimes people just need to see it to believe it," said Spokane Fire Department Fire Protection Engineer Dave Kokot.
 
Two similar rooms were burned near the Spokane Arena on Wednesday afternoon. One had a sprinkler system and one did not. As expected, the room equipped with a sprinkler system stopped the fire.
 
The sprinkler-equipped room stopped the fire after 1 minute and 11 seconds - about one-third faster than the room which was extinguished by firefighters.

Firefighters put out the non-sprinkler room after 3 minutes and 33 seconds following a flash of flame that covered the room and destroyed the contents including a couch, table and lamp.
 
"Many people already understand how vital it is to have working smoke alarms to warn us of fire," said the Fire Department. "Unfortunately, home fire sprinklers are not as well-known or understood."

Authorities said homes can be equipped with sprinkler systems for several thousand dollars, but few builders install them because buyers don't demand them.

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register
Comments
Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

Spokane firefighters demonstrate benefits of sprinkler...

Close window

Most Popular Stories

Video Of Girl Throwing Six Puppies Into A River; PETA Offers Reward For Identity

Updated:

MSN - A video has emerged on the Internet that has enraged millions. More>>

6 Day Forecast - Spokane

View the newest 6-day forecast for the Spokane area from the KHQ Weather Authority: More>>

Fire Caves in Roof, Destroys Tung Loon Garden Restaurant

Updated:

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Fire Department responded to a fire at the Tung Loon Restaurant just before 10:00 Tuesday night. More>>

Local News More>>

KHQ WEATHER AUTHORITY: Your Updated Labor Day Forecast; Track LIVE Weather Radar

Updated:

KHQ WEATHER AUTHORITY: Labor Day weekend weather: One day that's the best...and then there's the rest. More>>

Stephanie Vigil Inks Long-Term Deal With KHQ-TV

Updated:

SPOKANE, Wash. - KHQ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Spokane, WA is pleased to announce a multi-year contract extension with anchor Stephanie Vigil. More>>

WATCH IT: Apartment Complex Fire On Spokane's South Hill

Updated:

SPOKANE, Wash. - Late Thursday afternoon fire crews responded to a kitchen fire inside of a unit at the Regal Ridge Apartmentys on Spokane's South Hill at 53rd & Regal on Spokane's South Hill. More>>

WATCH THE INTERIVEW: 'The Acid Attack Won't Wreck My Life'

Updated: Sep 2, 2010 06:10 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A 28-year-old Washington state woman who had acid thrown in her face says she will not let the attack wreck her life.

  More>>

CONSUMER ALERT: Kia Recalling Thousands Of Vehicles

Updated:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Kia Motors is recalling about 35,000 Soul and Sorento vehicles to fix wiring in the interior lighting panels that could lead to fires.

  More>>

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2010 WorldNow and KHQ. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.