Fire Department

A fire that ignited in a downtown apartment early Tuesday morning was quickly put to a stop by an automatic fire sprinkler, keeping damage contained and resulting in no injuries.

Engine Company 4, Ladder Company 1, and other downtown crews were dispatched to the 100 block of S. Mills Street at 2:21 a.m. The building’s automatic alarm system indicated water flow in a fourth-floor apartment. That’s where a resident said a hand towel caught fire after coming in contact with a candle burning beneath it. The heat from the fire activated a sprinkler head in the bathroom, dousing the fire and extinguishing it prior to firefighters’ arrival.

Engine 4 shut off the water supply to the sprinkler and Ladder Company 1 assisted with cleanup efforts.

Occupants were home at the time but evacuated safely. Due to minimal damage resulting from the incident, residents were able to return home.

Unattended candle use is a leading cause of home fires. Always blow out candles before leaving a room, and leave at least 12 inches of space between candles an other objects that could catch on fire.