Multiple U.S. Fires Displace Residents; Sprinkler Demos Highlighted
PUBLISHED Jun 27, 2026, 11:38 PM ET
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Des Moines — The Des Moines Fire Department and the National Fire Sprinkler Association hosted a fire prevention open house Saturday at Fire Station One featuring live sprinkler demonstration trailers, while separate incidents in West Hartford and Chesapeake saw firefighters respond to apartment and house fires on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with sprinkler activations and rapid suppression. Officials reported the West Hartford kitchen fire at about 7:52 p.m. Saturday was extinguished by the building's sprinkler system, displacing 12 people with no injuries; Chesapeake incidents Sunday afternoon led to two displaced residents in a house fire and two displaced in an apartment fire, both contained within minutes, and the Red Cross is assisting displaced residents as fire marshals continue investigations.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Saturday — Des Moines FD and NFSA host sprinkler demonstration at Fire Station One.
- Saturday ~7:52 p.m. — West Hartford kitchen fire on Farmington Avenue; sprinklers extinguished blaze; 12 displaced.
- Sunday 1:01 p.m. — Chesapeake house fire on Virginia Avenue; fire extended to attic; under control by 1:21 p.m.; two displaced.
- Sunday 2:20 p.m. — Chesapeake apartment fire on Lake Village Drive; contained by 2:37 p.m.; two displaced; Red Cross assisting.
- Ongoing — Fire marshals investigate causes and displaced residents receive temporary housing assistance.
News Intelligence
- Fires can happen anywhere, anytime. They displace people and disrupt lives. Having a working sprinkler system in your home or apartment can make a big difference. It can extinguish fires quickly, reducing damage and potentially saving lives. Check your sprinkler system today to ensure it's in good working order.
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Fire departments, sprinkler advocates, and public safety organizations benefited from clear demonstrations and evidence of sprinkler effectiveness, which reinforced public messaging and may support future fire-safety adoption and training efforts.
Residents of impacted apartments and homes suffered displacement, property damage, and temporary housing disruption following kitchen and residential fires in West Hartford and Chesapeake, with multiple households requiring Red Cross assistance.
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Multiple U.S. Fires Displace Residents; Sprinkler Demos Highlighted
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