How do sprinklers work?

Sprinklers are attached to pipes installed in a building's walls (like plumbing) that keep water ready in case of fire.

Sprinklers have a fusible link that melts from heat given off by a fire. This opens the sprinkler, and water flows out in a spray pattern, putting water directly on the flames.

Only the sprinkler(s) closest to a fire will open. For most home fires, the sprinkler will extinguish the fire before the fire department arrives.