What’s the Fourth of July without a little fire, right?

The Laramie Fire Department used the holiday to teach people about fire safety and what can be done to prevent fire. They were present at Freedom has a Birthday 2014 to show people first-hand how well a residential sprinkler system can control a blaze.

Company Officer Bill Bershinky with the Laramie Fire Department led the demonstration. He said before the event that there are over 350,000 home fires in the U.S. every year. Those fires cause over 2,000 civilian deaths and over $6 billion in damages each year, said Bershinsky.

Smoke detectors are useful in notifying people in case of fire (and sometimes used as a kitchen timer). Bershinsky says a smoke detector should be in every bedroom and in the hallway outside of every bedroom.

While smoke detectors are very useful in notifying people of a blaze, Bershinsky says a residential sprinkler system is the best chance for you and your family to get out of a fire.

“It controls the fire and gives your family time to get out,” said Bershinky. “It is amazing how fast fire can spread in your house.”

Sprinkler systems are activated at 155 degrees, helping to control the flames until the fire department can arrive.

The Laramie Fire Department demonstrated how effectively a sprinkler system can control a blaze with a side by side demonstration comparing rooms with and without sprinkler systems.

Enjoy!

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