City Of Ames: No Injuries At Apartment Fire; Sprinkler System Slows Fire Spread

Ames IA

03 December, 2021

9:35 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Ames: 12/02/2021 5:30 PM At approximately 12:49 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 2), Ames firefighters responded to an automatic fire alarm at 619 S. 17th St. While en route, dispatchers received multiple calls about smoke and water coming from a second-story apartment. When crews arrived on scene, both alarm and sprinkler systems were active. Firefighters entered the apartment complex and located the fire on the second floor. It was contained to a portion of the apartment by two sprinkler heads activated when the fire started. Firefighters safely extinguished the remaining fire and rescued two cats from the apartment. The alarm system alerted the entire building and allowed all occupants to evacuate safely. Damage to the building is estimated at approximately $20,000. No one was at home at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. The fire was determined to be accidental in nature, caused by an unattended candle. The Ames Fire Department reminds all residents to check smoke detectors monthly. This will ensure they are operating correctly and will provide early warning in case of a fire. Also, always keep sprinkler heads free of obstructions to allow for proper function and never leave lit candles unattended.   This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author's own.