The fire was contained by activation of one sprinkler head and extinguished by firefighters. The cause of the fire was careless disposal of linseed oil soaked rags used in staining and finishing wood projects. There were no injuries. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in an Emerald Hills' residence extinguished an unintentional fire caused by a worker on January 14 before serious damage occurred. Automatic fire sprinklers aid in the detection and control of residential fires, providing improved protection against injury, life loss, and property damage.
Fire sprinklers activated by heat deliver water only onto the fire.
The Edmonds home was under renovation and unoccupied at the time of the fire. The incident occurred during the evening of January 14. The cause of the fire was determined to be a cigarette butt discarded in a trashcan filled with rubbish and construction materials. The Water Department determined the single sprinkler operated for approximately 15 hours. The fire occurred in the heated garage area where Department officials had encouraged the owner to extend sprinkler protection.