Crime & Safety

State Fire Marshal: Fire Sprinklers, Staff Save Lives at Merrill Gardens

State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy credited fire sprinklers and fast-acting staff at Merrill Gardens in Gig Harbor for saving lives on March 25, 2013.

On March 25, 2013, at approximately 9 p.m., a fire started in the kitchen at Merrill Gardens in Gig Harbor.

Two fire sprinkler heads activated and contained the fire until the fire department arrived.

Meanwhile, staff dialed 911 and then proceeded according to their evacuation plan and alerted residents of the fire. Staff acted quickly and evacuated the residents to a safe area until the fire department confirmed that the fire had been extinguished.

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“Knowing what to do in a fire emergency is critical,” said State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy. “Staff at Merrill Gardens knew what to do because they participated in regularly scheduled fire drills. They knew that they needed to protect residents during a fire.”

For additional information on residential fire sprinkler systems, visit the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition website or contact Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One at 253-851-3111.

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