Sprinkler Sets Off Fire Alarm in New Charles City Apartment Building

The fire alarm was activated in a downtown Charles City apartment complex after a sprinkler malfunction Monday afternoon.

The Charles City Fire Department responded to the Union House shortly after 3 p.m. Monday and two fire trucks were on the scene for about 30 minutes. Chief Eric Whipple says a hallway sprinkler started dispensing water which then triggered the fire alarm.

There were no injuries and about 15 residents evacuated the building. When property manager Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer gave residents the “all clear” to re-enter their apartments, he asked residents to assess and report any water damages they may have suffered.

A third fire engine was dispatched to the scene, but left to assist the Colwell Fire Department on a fire call north of Charles City on Cleveland Avenue. Chief Whipple says the fire was a controlled burn that required no action for firefighters.