Evanston firefighters demonstrate how quickly fire can spread without sprinklers

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Monday, October 5, 2020
Firefighters demonstrate importance of sprinklers during fires
Two fires were set in rooms, one with a home fire sprinkler and the other without to compare the difference.

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- The Evanston Fire Department held a live burn demonstration Sunday to show just how quickly a fire can spread.

Two fires were set in rooms, one with a home fire sprinkler and the other without to compare the difference.

RELATED: Illinois fire departments aim to save lives, reduce house fire damage with sprinkler system ordinance

If a fire breaks out in your home, it could be destroyed in minutes. But most homes could be saved with this small device.

Burn survivor Jordan Rodriguez said it serves as a reminder of just how important sprinklers are.

Rodriguez was just 4-years-old when he and his twin brother Justin survived a fire in their Logan Square home.

"I obviously get goosebumps. I get flashbacks and the heat kind of reminds me of everything I went through," Rodriguez said. "If I had sprinklers in my home, the injuries wouldn't be what they are today and it would have prevented the house form burning down."

Jordan suffered burns to 80% of this body and spent months in the hospital.

RELATED: Kidde, Chicago Fire Department share fire safety tips

Having a working smoke detector in your home can protect you and your family. ABC 7 Chicago teams up with Kidde and The Chicago Fire Department every year for Operation Save A Life