Published: February 9, 2012, 5:23 PM
SIOUX FALLS, SD - Fire investigators credit a 40-year-old sprinkler system with saving countless lives this week.
A kitchen fire broke out in the tallest apartment building in downtown Sioux Falls and as if it hadn't been for the decades-old equipment, the outcome could have been a lot worse.
Early estimates show clean up at River Tower Apartments will add up to around $70,000. It may sound like a lot of money, but the 13 story building itself is worth more $3.3 million.
The pot still sits on the stove where a fire broke out Tuesday night on the third floor of River Tower Apartments. The fire damaged the stove and climbed up the cupboards nearly reaching the ceiling.
The tenant, a man in his early 20s was making french fries according to investigators, when he fell asleep on the bed just feet from the stove. Hot oil ignited, triggering the sprinkler to kick on.
"Had the sprinkler had not been there, the room would have filled up with smoke and heat and if the resident had not have woken up by the flash noise, from the water hitting the grease, there is a good chance he may have died in the fire," Fire Inspector John Wagner said.
Investigators say the fire could have easily engulfed the 13-story building, home for many elderly people and those with disabilities.
"We would hate to say what would have happened. We were lucky we did have a sprinkler system and it put the fire out rapidly," Lloyd Companies Manager Denise Hanzlick said.
The fire was extinguished before crews arrived and ten units received water damage.
"It's amazing the sprinkler head was made in 1971 and it's one of those things where they are made to work and it did its job effectively," Wagner said.
"The key for you to understand from this is there could have been a whole lot of things that have gone wrong with similar circumstances with fires of this type. In this instance things turned out quite well," Division Chief Fire Marshal Dean Lanier said.
The man living in the apartment was the only one hurt. Fire Rescue says he cut his hand while breaking glass to get to a fire extinguisher. His injuries were minor.
A kitchen fire broke out in the tallest apartment building in downtown Sioux Falls and as if it hadn't been for the decades-old equipment, the outcome could have been a lot worse.
Early estimates show clean up at River Tower Apartments will add up to around $70,000. It may sound like a lot of money, but the 13 story building itself is worth more $3.3 million.
The pot still sits on the stove where a fire broke out Tuesday night on the third floor of River Tower Apartments. The fire damaged the stove and climbed up the cupboards nearly reaching the ceiling.
The tenant, a man in his early 20s was making french fries according to investigators, when he fell asleep on the bed just feet from the stove. Hot oil ignited, triggering the sprinkler to kick on.
"Had the sprinkler had not been there, the room would have filled up with smoke and heat and if the resident had not have woken up by the flash noise, from the water hitting the grease, there is a good chance he may have died in the fire," Fire Inspector John Wagner said.
Investigators say the fire could have easily engulfed the 13-story building, home for many elderly people and those with disabilities.
"We would hate to say what would have happened. We were lucky we did have a sprinkler system and it put the fire out rapidly," Lloyd Companies Manager Denise Hanzlick said.
The fire was extinguished before crews arrived and ten units received water damage.
"It's amazing the sprinkler head was made in 1971 and it's one of those things where they are made to work and it did its job effectively," Wagner said.
"The key for you to understand from this is there could have been a whole lot of things that have gone wrong with similar circumstances with fires of this type. In this instance things turned out quite well," Division Chief Fire Marshal Dean Lanier said.
The man living in the apartment was the only one hurt. Fire Rescue says he cut his hand while breaking glass to get to a fire extinguisher. His injuries were minor.
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