Sprinkler systems are very effective at preventing fire from spreading beyond the room in which it starts. However, the fire may still generate smoke, which can travel throughout the building.
Dormitory buildings have been required to have fire sprinkler systems in compactor chutes and rooms, storage rooms, boiler rooms and public areas. However, all dormitory buildings constructed or substantially renovated after March 1999, are required by law to be equipped with a fire sprinkler system throughout the building.