HOME FIRE SPRINKLER CONTROLS BLAZE IN MANCHESTER HOME
CARROLL COUNTY, MD (December 26, 2018) – Deputy State Fire Marshals
responded to 3175 Main Street in Manchester just before noon today for a reported dwelling fire. Investigators later learned the fire was contained to a bedroom by a residential fire sprinkler activation.
The occupants, Phillip and Thomas Gray, who are father and son respectively, were in the process of moving into the home owned by Jagtar Randhawa. At approximately 11:47 a.m., Phillip Gray, age 85, was home alone at the time and discovered a fire within the bedroom of the two-story, single family dwelling. Gray attempted to extinguish the fire and during his attempt, the residential fire sprinklers activated along with the smoke alarms. Manchester Volunteer Fire Company along with other area departments responded and firefighters discovered the fire sprinkler contained the fire to the bedroom only. Firefighters used minimal water to extinguish the remains of the fire.
Investigators determined improperly discarded smoking material ignited bedding material. During their examination, investigators credited the fire sprinklers activating near the small blaze and contained the fire to the area of origin. This activation also protected the remainder of the home and contents from the ravages of an uncontrolled fire.
The home will remain unoccupied temporarily while restoration personnel makes minor
repairs and clean-up from the incident. Damages were limited to an estimated $35,000.00 to the
structure and contents and Mr. Gray refused treatment after sustaining a minor burn injury to his leg.
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci stated, “Residential fire sprinklers are proven to save
lives, prevent injuries and protect property and valuables. This is yet another example of how
the presence of a residential fire sprinkler system protected occupants and prevented
substantial fire damage to residential property.”
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: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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