Sprinkler prevents spread of fire

A sprinkler system inside the laundry room of an extended-care facility possibly saved lives and property.

New Bern Fire Marshal Henry Watson said a commercial dryer in the laundry room of the Sterling House at 1336 S. Glenburnie Road was on fire when fire fighters arrived at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday.

"The sprinkler system in the laundry room was activated because of the smoke and flames," Watson said.

He said the sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading through the rest of the building. The system also set off the fire alarm system in the building.

Watson said the staff got the residents out of the building.

"Fire personnel checked the building for smoke, then cleared the smoke and the residents were allowed back in after a few minutes," Watson said.

He said damage from water, smoke and flames is estimated at between $5,000 and $10,000.

Watson said the fire department is investigating the cause of the fire and interviewing staff at the facility.