Kent Fire Department investigators are looking into the cause of a fire in the 4100 block of South 224th Place in Kent that was first reported at 12:42 p.m. Thursday.
When firefighters from Kent and South King Fire and Rescue first arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from an upstairs bedroom window of the two story house, according to a Kent Fire Department media release. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly, confirm that no one was inside, and get several pets out of the house as well.
Fire officials have made contact with the residents, who are cooperating with the investigation. Red Cross will be assisting the family of four adults with housing.
While firefighters can be credited with putting the fire out and rescuing the pets, the primary reason for the home sustaining very little fire damage is due to the sprinkler system, fire officials said.
Although the sprinkler system did not fully extinguish the fire, it contained the fire and allowed time for firefighters to arrive. All of the homes in this neighborhood, which has limited access, were required to be equipped with sprinkler systems.
Sprinkler systems are a relatively inexpensive way to help protect a home and its occupants. Residential systems work just like the commercial types that are seen in many businesses. Heat from a fire activates individual sprinkler heads as needed, so the house is not flooded by water as depicted in the movies. While a home may sustain water damage as a result of a sprinkler system, it is much less expensive to repair than fire and smoke damage.
While sprinkler systems are typically installed during initial construction, homes can be retrofitted with them to offer additional protection for the occupants. Whether a home has a sprinkler system or not, working smoke alarms are the first line of protection for residents and allow those inside time to escape.
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