GHA sprinker system malfunctions, drenches apartments

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Updated: January 16, 2012 7:37PM

GARY — A malfunctioning sprinkler system caused water damage in several apartments at a Gary Housing Authority apartment building early Monday morning.

Gary Fire Department Inspector John Leslie said the fire suppression system activated in a fifth-floor apartment. at 650 Jackson St.

Leslie said he found no sign of fire or smoke damage and determined the tenant had not caused the water to begin spraying. He said the sprinkler head appeared broken.

Several tenants were being relocated to vacant apartments within the building as a result of the water damage.

Leslie said the matter is being investigated and officials will talk to the contractor who services the fire suppression system to determine what happened.