Sprinkler on old Georgia Chair roof likely ‘saved this business’ after fire

Gainesville Fire Department personnel are investigating a commercial fire at the old Georgia Chair complex that houses a cooperage and The Chair Factory event space. The fire affected the Gainesville Cooperage, which crafts barrels used by wineries, distilleries and breweries locally and throughout the U.S.

Sprinklers appear to have mostly put the fire out at the Industrial Boulevard business, but crews contained the fire just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22.

The fire reached the roof area, according to Gainesville Fire Division Chief Keith Smith. 

“There’s a sprinkler head right up there where the fire was,” Smith said. “That water flowing set off the water flow alarm.” 

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