Boarding House Fire Stopped By Sprinkler System

A small fire at a local boarding house Sunday could have been much worse if not for the automatic sprinkler system, which alerted residents and fire officials to the fire.

Nashua Fire responded to the Temple Street. Inn, 29 Temple St., just after 2 p.m., on April 15, after an automatic alarm system activated.

According to a report issued by Fire Marshal Richard Wood, the sole occupant of the unit where the fire started was awakened by water from the sprinklers spraying his face as smoke from the fire activated the safety system.

A smoke detector in the unit had been disabled, and the fire was burning next to where the man was laying on the floor, potentially blocking the only exit from the apartment. 

"Had the sprinkler not activated and controlled the fire while small, it is highly likely the occupant would have suffered serious injury or death," said Wood in the report.

The sprinkler extinguished the fire, officials said.

This building contains approximately 30 single-room apartments.

One person, identified only as a 40 year old man, was taken to the hospital for a head injury, according to the incident report.

The fire remains under investigation, including the possibility that it is related to careless smoking by one of the residents, who may have fallen asleep  with a lit cigarette, the Nashua Telegraph reported.

Such incidents reinforce the importance of working smoke Alarms and home rire sprinklers. where warranted.