When should operating sprinklers at a fire be shut down?

Operating sprinklers at a fire should be shut down only when the Incident Commander (IC) declares that the fire is under control. This is crucial because the primary goal of sprinklers is to control or suppress a fire until firefighters can arrive and take over. If sprinklers are shut off prematurely, it could allow the fire to reignite or spread, which poses a risk to both firefighters and civilians.

The situation on the ground evolves constantly during a fire incident, and the IC has the best overview of the overall fire dynamics, including the effectiveness of the attack lines and the progress being made. Shutting down sprinklers too early could lead to additional damage or complicate firefighting efforts. The IC's declaration of the fire being under control signifies that it is safe to do so, ensuring that the control measures in place remain effective until the fire is fully extinguished.