(SPRINGFIELD) -- Several people living in a downtown loft were evacuated from their units this morning after a fire sparked in one of the kitchen apartments. And a new sprinkler system is being credited for preventing what might have been a tragedy.

Springfield firefighters say it began on the stove in the lofts in the Wilhoit Building at Jefferson and Pershing,  and quickly spread to the cabinets while people slept.

The Springfield Fire Marshal says the building's sprinkler system put out the fire and helped prevent loss of life.

Sprinkler systems are routinely checked by area firefighters.

"Sprinkler systems are a wonderful piece of equipment.  They are 96% to 98% effective in any either putting a fire out or keeping it in check until the fire department arrives.  And so therefore, it's a great thing for firemen. It's a life safety thing.  It's a great thing for the occupant," said Randy Villines, assistant fire chief with the Springfield Fire Department.

But not all buildings have one.

Firefighters say structures in downtown Springfield were built in the 1800's and were not equipped with sprinkler systems.

"During their time frame they probably thought they were building the most fire safe building at the time.  There is a lot of concrete involved, a lot of brick involved which is none flammable, but its what we bring into it," said Villines.

The fire that happened at the Wilhoit Building did have a sprinkler system and is the reason why fire crews say the tenants are still alive. 

"The fire actually occurred at the front of the apartments. The bedrooms were in the back.  If there hadn't been a sprinkler head to put out that fire or at least keep it in check those occupants probably would not of been able to get out of that apartment," he said.

Ashley Berry of Springfield works near the lofts and says she is able to sleep comfortably knowing her own apartment building does have a sprinkler system in place.

"I think they are really important in homes just because they clearly are going to save lives.  If there is an accident.  My mom works for group homes in Missouri and she managed different homes that would have several handicap people in them and you definitely need a warning system and something in place to help prevent accidents and help save lives," she said.

Berry also has a working smoke alarm that fire fighters say everyone  should have.

"I think it's important that people do it.  At our apartment, we're really fortunate that people come and check on those things for us, too," said Berry

A typical sprinkler system releases 25 gallons of water per minute.  Sprinkler heads help put out fires or in most cases it helps control the blaze.

If someone lives in a place where there is no sprinkler system installed, fire fighters say people can use fire extinguishers to help put a fire out.

They can also contact the fire department for help on using one and tips on keeping their smoke alarms up to date.