Springklers put out apartment fire

An unattended stove led to a kitchen fire at the La Mirada Apartments, 3900 W. 22nd Lane, Saturday morning.

The fire activated the building's automatic sprinkler system, which limited the damage to the stove area, according to the Yuma Fire Department. No serious injuries were reported.

This is the second apartment fire in two days during which an automatic fire sprinkler system stopped the fires before they could spread from the area of origin.

YFD personnel responded to the apartment complex at 9:49 a.m. and located the living unit where the sprinkler had been activated.

Firefighters ensured that the sprinkler extinguished the fire and turned off the sprinkler system. The activated head was then replaced. Fire personnel also assisted in limiting water damage in the apartment and helped with cleanup.

The two adults and two children who live in the apartment have found other lodging until the management could arrange final cleanup.

According to YFD, fire sprinkler systems can keep fires from spreading and can also extinguish them. Fire spreads quickly and can double in size every minute. Even small fires can cause significant damage to personal property and endanger those nearby.

YFD said contrary to many Hollywood portrayals, only residential sprinkler heads that are directly exposed to heat of 155 degrees activate, not those in the rest of the room, building or complex.

"Fire sprinklers save lives and protect property," YFD said.