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GE Plant Fire Probe Finds Problems With Sprinklers, Hydrants

An outdated sprinkler system, alarms that didn't activate properly and inoperable fire hydrants contributed to the intensity of an April fire at General Electric's Appliance Park that destroyed a giant warehouse.

The Courier-Journal reportsan investigation by Louisville Metro's Arson squad says the company had been warned of the problems more than a year ago by an insurer. Among other things, that warning said the building's 1950s-era sprinklers would not be able to handle a fire stoked by the heat of burning plastic parts.

GE is disputing the arson squad's report, saying it contains factual errors. GE also says there was nothing that could have been done to save the building.

Neighbors and a clean-up contractor have sued GE over the blaze.

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