Sprinklers prove worth in nightclub fire set by arsonist (Seattle, WA)

A fire which began soon after midnight on New Year's Day caused the Seattle Fire Department's Ladder 10 to be called to the scene. The nightclub's estimated 750 patrons were able to evacuate safely, and one of them used a fire extinguisher to put out some of the flames. The facility's fire sprinkler system then completely put out the fire. The Seattle Police Department said that the cause of the fire was arson and the unknown perpetrator appeared to have poured gasoline on the carpeted stairway between the first and second level.