Sprinkler system saved complex

Authorities are crediting a Newport Beach business complex’s sprinkler system with preventing disaster Monday night, when flames inside the building were kept at bay until firefighters arrived.

Newport Beach firefighters responded about 9:50 p.m. Monday to a report of a sprinkler system triggered at the Newport Coast Shopping Center, off Newport Coast Road. Firefighters arrived and saw the sprinkler system going and smoke coming from the roof.

Once inside, however, firefighters couldn’t find any flames. There was only smoke, officials said. Up on the roof, firefighters spotted the flames and quickly put them out. The sprinklers kept the blaze from spreading and causing more damage, said department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz.

Five businesses in the complex suffered smoke and water damage, putting the damage at about $100,000, according to the Fire Department. The fire was electrical and started on the roof, officials said. No one was injured, and 28 firefighters responded to the scene.

— Joseph Serna