Sprinkler save at Canyon Visitor Education Center, Yellowstone National Park

Front of the Canyon Visitor Education Center.

NPS/D. RENKIN

On January 4, 2023, a boiler fire (Boiler 2) occurred at the Canyon Visitor Education Center at Yellowstone National Park. A fuel line leak at the bottom of the fuel pump caused fuel to be sprayed into the air, which then ignited. The flames scorched the insulated covering of the pipes above the boiler activating four sprinkler heads and indicating a large amount of heat traveling across the ceiling. Park structural firefighters responded to the incident. No injuries occurred.

Scorched insulation on the pipes above the boiler.

NPS/B. GRAY

Automatic sprinkler systems discharge sufficient water to extinguish a fire or prevent its spread until firefighters arrive. Where provided, and when properly inspected, tested, and maintained, a fire sprinkler system can save lives and prevent significant damage to property. In this case, the fire didn’t extend beyond its area of origin and damage was minimal. Offices were occupied by park personnel the next day. The sprinkler system came back online January 26.

According to fire chief Britton Gray, “The fire sprinklers did what they are designed to do, control, and hopefully extinguish the fire. The maintenance staff ensured the fire sprinkler system was ready to operate. The fire department followed their training and responded with an apparatus and proper personal protective equipment. They arrived on scene ready to extinguish any fire that had not been extinguished by the sprinkler system, and to quickly shut down the sprinkler system to prevent unnecessary water damage. This event was an example of a successful fire prevention and suppression program, the purpose of which is to prevent fires, but when one does occur, to keep it small and contained allowing firefighters to finish suppression if needed and then provide loss control to the facility.”

Another view of the boiler room showing the scorched insulation around the pipes.

NPS/B. GRAY