Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release Martin O’Malley William E. Barnard Governor State Fire Marshal

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLERS

PIKESVILLE, MD (April 30, 2012) – During the month of April, two home fires in St. Mary’s County exposed the value of residential fire sprinklers. The outcome of both fires would likely be the same, if both homes had the protection afforded by these life saving systems.

On April 6, 2012, a fire began at approximately 10:39 a.m. in a first floor bedroom of a two story wood frame home located on Domitilla Court in Leonardtown. The fire progressed into the second floor and through the roof before being extinguished within thirty minutes by the Leonardtown, Hollywood and Bay District Volunteer Fire Departments. No occupants were at home at the time of the fire. The cause for the fire remains under investigation at this time. Due to the extent of damage to the home, occupants will not be able to move back in for several months. Damage is estimated at $300,000.

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Domitilla Court Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, MarylandOn April 25, 2012, a fire began at approximately 2:45 p.m. in the kitchen of a two story

wood frame home located on Hunting Court in Leonardtown. The fire began in a frying pan and was quickly extinguished by the automatic fire sprinkler system before the flames could grow out of control. Hot grease in the pan ignited in preparation of making an after school snack. The occupant of the home did not receive any injuries during the incident. The kitchen received minor smoke damage, with some water damage in the kitchen and the basement of the home. The occupants were not displaced as a result of the fire. Damage is estimated at $20,000.

Hunting Court Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, Maryland

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The State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard stated, “This is yet another example of the effectiveness of the protections afforded by automatic fire sprinklers in residential occupancies. Residential fire sprinklers save lives and property.”

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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow us on Facebook under “Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal”.

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