Officials say an activated sprinkler system prevented a larger fire at a Broad Street apartment complex and may have saved lives.
MEDFORD, Ore. — A fire sprinkler system is being credited with stopping a potentially serious apartment fire Monday at a complex in the 900 block of Broad Street, according to Medford Fire.
Fire crews responded to a reported structure fire on April 20 and arrived to find smoke coming from the second story of the building.
Officials said the apartment’s sprinkler system had already activated and extinguished the fire before crews arrived, preventing flames from spreading to neighboring units and reducing the risk of a larger incident.
Medford Fire said the sprinkler system may have helped save the lives of nearby occupants and protected the structure from more extensive damage.
Crews remained at the scene to remove water from the affected unit and assist with salvaging belongings for two families impacted by the incident. The American Red Cross was contacted to help those displaced.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental and started by an unattended candle left near combustible materials.
Fire officials are reminding residents to never leave candles or other open-flame devices unattended, especially near items that can easily catch fire.
Jackson County Fire District 3 also assisted on the response.
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