Description of Project
Elite Fire Protection was contracted to supply, design and install a fire sprinkler system in a shopping mall, as well as service the system on completion.
Shopping malls have an increased amount of foot traffic, making the functionality of a fire protection system critical. Multiple stores with inter-connecting shops increase the risk of a fire spreading if they are not equipped with an adequate or fully operational fire protection system.
In our blog this month, we tackled the maintenance and servicing expense versus the financial losses and insurance claims. Regular maintenance and servicing of fire protection involves scheduled inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire safety systems to avert potential malfunctions in case of a fire.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Size | 27 000m2 & 93 shops |
| Scope | Maintenance |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
Incident Overview
In February 2025, a fire broke out in a clothing store due to an electrical fault in a mobile ATM machine. The fire escalated and reached the roof level, activating a single sprinkler head that successfully suppressed the fire. The prompt activation of the sprinkler system prevented further damage, ensuring minimal losses and downtime for the store.
Background
The clothing store is located in a shopping mall with a standard wet pipe sprinkler system installed. The system was designed and installed by Elite Fire Protection, ensuring adequate coverage for the retail space.
Cause of Fire
A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire originated from a mobile ATM machine, likely due to an electrical malfunction. Overheating or a short circuit within the machine’s power system caused it to ignite.
Fire Development & Suppression
- The fire spread vertically, reaching the ceiling level, where heat buildup triggered a single sprinkler head.
- The sprinkler released water, effectively controlling and extinguishing the flames before the fire could spread further.
- The fire department arrived shortly after, confirming that the fire was completely suppressed by the sprinkler system.
Extent of the Damage
- Fire Damage: Limited to the ATM machine and minor charring on adjacent clothing racks.
- Water Damage: Minimal, as only one sprinkler head activated. The localized suppression prevented excessive water spread.
- Structural Impact: No significant structural damage was reported. The ceiling and sprinkler system remained intact.
Key Takeaway:
Routine maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the sprinkler system remains functional. This includes:
- Weekly inspections and maintenance
- Servicing fire sprinkler systems and components.
In this case, thanks to regular maintenance and servicing at required intervals, the system functioned as intended, reinforcing the necessity of scheduled servicing.
Maintenance Challenges:
- No challenges at this stage. Sprinkler heads activated have been replaced.
