Sprinkler System Credited with "Save" During New Lenox Commercial Fire

The New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) responded to a commercial structure fire Monday afternoon that served as a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of automated fire suppression systems.

On April 20, at approximately 2:50 p.m., NLFPD crews were dispatched to the 2500 block of West Haven Road following a fire alarm activation. As units responded, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response at 2:52 p.m. Upon arrival, the first engine reported light smoke visible from the exterior. Firefighters entered the building and identified a fire originating within a paint booth; however, the flames had already been successfully contained by the building’s sprinkler system.

The rapid containment of the fire allowed crews to focus on ventilation and investigation rather than a large-scale fire attack. Because the system functioned as designed, the fire was prevented from spreading to the rest of the facility, and no injuries were reported among occupants or first responders. By the time the fire crews were leaving the building, the company was back up and able to continue production within most of their facility.

This incident marks the second successful "sprinkler save" within the district this year, highlighting a consistent trend of property preservation through modern fire safety technology.

"This is a textbook example of fire sprinklers doing exactly what they are designed to do," said Deputy Fire Chief Brian Applegate. "By controlling the fire in its earliest stages, the system prevented a potential total loss of the building and ensured everyone inside could evacuate safely."

The Importance of Fire Sprinklers:
Fire sprinklers are often the first line of defense in a fire emergency. While smoke alarms provide the necessary warning to evacuate, sprinklers provide the immediate physical response needed to control heat and smoke. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA®) April 2024 “U.S. Experience with Sprinklers” report, the civilian death rate is 89% lower in properties with fire sprinklers than in those without. The New Lenox Fire Protection District continues to advocate for the installation and maintenance of these systems in both commercial and residential properties as a proven method to save lives and protect local businesses.