HomeMy WebLinkAboutSprinklerSave09-11-30-
Contact: Marty Doll, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • Fax 952-826-0390 • Web www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire sprinkler system saves Edina office suite
Edina, Minn., Nov. 30, 2009 – A built-in fire sprinkler system helped the tenants of an Edina office
building avoid major property loss after a fire broke out within one of the building’s suites.
Just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, the Edina Fire Department received a call reporting light smoke
coming from an office building on the 6700 block of France Avenue. Upon arrival, crews found a small
fire burning in an office closet. The fire, which was being controlled by a single sprinkler head, was
put out completely by firefighters using a fire extinguisher. The closet in which the fire started
contained the office suite’s computer servers and phone system. The fire was confined to that
equipment.
“We could have had a whole different outcome if this building hadn’t been sprinkled, especially on a
weekend with no one in the building,” said Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson. “The sprinklers helped
keep this fire contained to a small area, and we were able to get it out before it caused much
damage.”
Edina fire investigators believe the fire resulted from a malfunction in a small portable fan that was
being used to circulate air in the closet to cool the computer equipment. Melting plastic appears to
have dropped to the floor, starting a cardboard box on fire and then spreading to two more
computers. Insurance company investigators and electrical engineers will conduct a more in-depth
investigation to confirm the origin and cause.
Xcel Energy was called to the scene to assist in temporarily shutting off the power to the first and
second floors. The building engineer assisted with smoke removal using the building’s heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Water damage was present on both the first and
second floors of the building. Most businesses in the building were expected to be open as early as
Monday, Nov. 30.
For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-
0378.
-30-