News

Sprinkler plan to tackle building fires

By Tim Tonkin
February 14, 2012

FIRE chiefs in Hampshire have backed widespread proposals seeking to extend the use of sprinklers, a system they say helps to save lives.

The announcement is part of a report considered by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority, at a meeting yesterday (Thursday), which aims to eventually see a specific action plan produced by the authority.

In a statement produced on behalf of the authority, members say they will seek to ‘promote and campaign’ for the installation of sprinkler systems in all new premises deemed to be at high risk of fire.

These include new built facilities such as schools, care homes for the elderly and disabled, high rise buildings and even individual homes of those considered as vulnerable.

The issue of indoor water sprinklers, which are designed to extinguish flames or at least control the extent of fires which break out within buildings, is currently a topic high on the public agenda.

This comes following changes in Wales, instituted by the Welsh Assembly Government, and bids by both a Westminster MP and public e-petition.

Sprinkler systems are currently only legal requirements in buildings such as large single space warehouses and blocks of flats above 30 metres high.

Sprinkler systems are credited with helping to reduce the risks to firefighters and those within buildings, but also lower the environmental impact of fire through reducing the carbon emissions created during a blaze.

Systems that source their water from renewable sources such as rain, are also credited with reducing the amount of water expended by firefighters when dealing with a fire.

In a report presented to members of the authority chief officer John Bonney said: “There is clear evidence that sprinklers and other forms of automatic fire suppression systems can be effective in the rapid suppression of fires and can therefore play an important role in achieving a range of benefits for both individuals and the community in general.”

He added that while sprinklers had the potential to benefit all buildings and homes, emphasis should be placed on buildings such as schools, care homes and the homes of the vulnerable. The authority has consistently encouraged sprinkler systems since 2005.

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