Vermont Official Says Sprinkler System Saved Historic Complex

A sprinkler system is being credited with extinguishing an arson fire in the basement of the historic, downtown Gates-Briggs Building in dowtown White River Junction, Vermont.

The building is home to dozens of businesses and offices, including the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s office.

The Thursday night fire had begun to attack the structural timbers in the basement when the sprinklers were triggered, said Hartford Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Leinoff.

“It is almost certain that the entire building and possibly adjoining buildings would have been destroyed by a fire of enormous magnitude,” Leinoff stated.

Hartford Police Capt. Lenny Roberts said the suspect or suspects had set fires in several locations in the building’s basement.

The Gates-Briggs Building makes up half of the main block in downtown White River Junction.

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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/