Fire Sprinklers Prevent Total Loss

On Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 1:10 pm the E-911 dispatch center received a report of a fire alarm at 1200 S. Century Circle, a senior independent living facility located in Wasilla. A fire had started in a recliner in the living room of one of the 32 apartments in the facility; a facility in which many of the residents had limited mobility.

Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two water tankers, two rescue units, an ambulance, and a variety of command and support vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival of the first fire personnel, most residents of the facility had already evacuated the building and were congregating in a nearby parking lot. When the first fire personnel entered the building to evacuate any remaining residents, they reported that there was smoke in the building but no visible flames.

This facility was constructed with an automated fire sprinkler system that had activated in the living room, containing the fire to the recliner and surrounding items, which had also started to burn. Had there not been a sprinkler system, greater damage would most certainly have occurred to the apartment of origin—contents and structure—and possibly spread to other apartment units in the complex. The occupants also would have been at greater risk of fire and smoke-related injuries.

The appraised value of the building is $1,327,400, and the estimated fire damage to the building was less than $1000.

Automated fire sprinkler systems have proven to save lives and to significantly reduce the amount of damage due to fire.

For more information, contact: James Steele Fire Chief, Central MAT-SU Fire Department 907-373-8805, office