Pearland Fire Marshal encourages installation of fire sprinklers

One recent structure fire in Pearland reinforced the value of fire sprinkler systems. Not only were there no reported injuries, but the structure also sustained minimal damage.

On August 18, 2014, the Pearland Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm on the west side of Pearland where upon arrival, they discovered a sprinkler head activated in a tenant space near the kitchen. The fire started near a wall outlet, traveled up the wall and activated the sprinkler system.

The fire sprinkler kept the fire from causing severe damage to the commercial establishment and prevented it from spreading to adjacent tenant spaces and extinguished the fire before the Fire Department arrived.

This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Had a sprinkler system, or automatic fire suppression system, not been present in the building, the outcome may have been very different, said Roland Garcia, Fire Marshal.

While fire sprinklers are required in all new apartments in Pearland, as well as specific commercial structures, most people dont consider installing automatic fire suppression systems in private residences. For a small investment, often less than cabinet upgrades or new carpeting, these life- and property-saving systems can be installed.

The Pearland Fire Department encourages individuals building a new home, or renovating an existing residence or other property, to seriously consider the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. For additional information on fire protection systems, visit pearlandtx.gov/firesprinklers or contact the Pearland Fire Marshal at 281-997-4650.

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Pearland Fire Marshal encourages installation of fire sprinklers