According to NFPA, an average of 1,508 warehouse fires were reported annually between 2018 and 2022. These fires resulted in $323 million in direct property damage, 19 civilian injuries, and three civilian deaths per year.

If you own or lease a warehouse, fire protection should be a top priority. A warehouse fire can lead to massive property loss—or even force you to shut down operations entirely. Installing the right fire protection system can help prevent devastating losses. Two of the most common sprinkler systems used in warehouses are ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) systems and In-Rack Sprinkler Systems.

ESFR Sprinkler Systems

ESFR sprinklers are ceiling-mounted systems designed to suppress fires before they fully develop. These high-powered sprinklers release large droplets of water at a high velocity, allowing them to discharge twice as much water as conventional sprinklers in half the time. Because ESFR systems require large volumes of water—nearly 100 gallons per minute per sprinkler—they often need fire pumps to meet demand.

ESFR systems are primarily used for protecting high-piled storage, including solid pile, palletized, shelf, bin box, or rack storage. Their biggest advantage is that they eliminate the need for in-rack sprinklers, reducing the risk of damage from forklifts or other warehouse equipment.

Advantages of ESFR Systems

• Suppresses fires at their point of origin
• Eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers
• Allows flexibility in storage rack arrangements without reconfiguring sprinkler piping
• Reduces risk of accidental damage from material handling equipment
• Faster response, discharging nearly 100 gallons per minute per sprinkler

In-Rack Sprinkler Systems

In-rack fire sprinkler systems are installed directly within racked storage areas, placing them closer to stored materials for faster fire detection and suppression. These systems release water directly onto burning materials, preventing fires from spreading to nearby racks or shelves. Like ESFR systems, in-rack sprinklers contain fires at their source, protecting inventory and minimizing damage.

Choosing an in-rack sprinkler system depends on several factors, including the type of materials stored, warehouse layout, and environmental conditions.

Advantages of In-Rack Systems:

• Direct water application to the fire’s origin, minimizing unnecessary water damage
• Reduced risk of water damage to unaffected inventory
• Typically requires less water and extinguishing agents
• Quick activation due to proximity to stored materials, minimizing damage and downtime

Choosing the Right System

Both ESFR and in-rack sprinkler systems are designed to protect life and property while minimizing water damage. The right choice depends on your warehouse’s layout, storage configuration, and fire risk factors.

For expert recommendations on whether your warehouse would benefit from an ESFR or in-rack sprinkler system, contact Oliver Fire Protection & Security to ensure compliance with NFPA standards.