Purdue Fire Department partners with State Fire Marshal to demonstrate sprinkler system effectiveness

The Purdue University Fire Department (PUFD) partnered with the Indiana State Fire Marshal and National Fire Sprinkler Association to demonstrate the value of sprinkler systems. On Wednesday (Oct. 26), a demonstration trailer was on the West Lafayette campus to show just how effective a sprinkler system can be during a fire.

The trailer showed side-by-side identical rooms that were set up similar to residence hall rooms or apartments. One room was equipped with a sprinkler system, and one was not. Each room was set on fire, and the sprinkler system in one was activated. The results were visible as the sprinkler system extinguished the fire in one room while PUFD had put out the fire in the other.

PUFD Chief Kevin Ply says such demonstrations are important so attendees witness the danger of fires and how quickly they can move through a room. He says this kind of fire safety awareness is important on a college campus because many students are living on their own for the first time.

“When students move into a new residence hall room or apartment, fire safety may not be at the forefront of their minds,” Ply says. “Do the smoke alarms work? What is the escape plan in case of a fire? If a student sees this demonstration, these might be questions they remember to ask during the moving process.” 

University Residences, the Office of the Dean of Students and more than 60 fire officials from across the state were invited to attend as valued partners. Ply says spreading awareness can save lives. 

“There have been 240 campus-related fire fatalities nationwide since 2000, and not one occurred in a room that had a sprinkler system,” Ply says. “The more people who can see the importance of a sprinkler system and how quickly a fire can escalate without one, the better prepared they can be.” 

PUFD is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Bringing this trailer to campus to demonstrate the effectiveness of sprinkler systems and promote fire safety is one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.

 Questions or comments about fire safety or feedback regarding the demonstrations may be directed to PUFD at fire@purdue.edu.