Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Initiative

05/01/2026

I want to give a shout out to the Alsip and Palos Heights fire crews responding to an apartment fire in Alsip, 12557 Alpine on April 29th. An arsonist started a fire on his stove by putting dozens of books on the burners and igniting the burners. A residential quick response fire sprinkler operated and suppressed the fire to the stove area before the fire department arrived. Responding Palos Heights and Alsip crews worked with the fire sprinkler system to completely extinguishing the fire. The arsonist tenant got away and currently has a warrant for his arrest. The kicker is that this building had a severe fire two years ago and as a result it was retrofit with fire sprinklers by Nova Fire Protection a Local #281 signatory contractor. The system paid off as today the sprinkler was replaced and the room is being cleaned and will be ready for occupancy by a new tenant as I am sure the arsonist when caught will not be returning!

03/01/2026

legacy furniture and flashover, still relevant

12/19/2025

Please mark this in your January Calendar!

11/21/2025

Its time to plan now to attend this first in the new year fireworks and explosives class from the State Fire Marshal's Office. Chief Tom Styczynski invites you and your staff to join us at the excellent Bill Dalton Training Center at Fire Sprinkler Fitters Local #281. Sign up now and spread the word,

11/14/2025

The ordinance would require property owners to tell tenants whether their building is up-to-date with fire safety standards, like a sprinkler system.

11/10/2025

2 Fire Sprinklers helped control a fire at the Alsip Mini Mill on Nov 4th, owners also used Class II hose lines as the fire department arrived to complete the extinguishment.

11/04/2025

St. Jerome Parish | 1709 W. Lunt, Chicago

A great before-and-after look at the original pump room and our new fire pump installation completed for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

This was a complete turn-key upgrade, with design, equipment, and installation all handled by our team.

When we were first called out, the existing fire pump and controller were not operational. After reviewing site conditions, it was clear the system needed a full replacement to bring the fire sprinkler system back online.

The new installation includes a vertical in-line fire pump with a standard across-the-line controller, a 6” double check detector assembly (DCDA), and all new valves and fittings, ensuring reliability, compliance, and long-term performance.

👏 Great design work by Tom Kennedy and expert installation by Jeremiah McFarlane.

10/04/2025

09/04/2025

Celebrating over 100 years of combined service at Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc.
Some of the GOATs of the sprinkler business came together to reminisce about the good old days. Rick McMillan, Paul Turner, John McGurn and Terry Ferguson.

08/30/2025

How does your department handle responding to fires involving photovoltaic/solar panel systems? Take our free online training to learn the hazards important safety considerations related to suppression, ventilation and overhaul operations on the fireground.

Start here: ➡️ https://bit.ly/Firefighter-Safety-Photovoltaic-Systems-Training-Course