House of Commons motion tabled to discuss Domestic Sprinkler Systems

Alun Michael MP for South Cardiff & Penarth has tabled an ‘Early Day Motion’ to the House of Commons calling on the Government to review the current regulations with regards to the installation of sprinkler systems in new residential premises.  Read the motion details here.  The motion of 3rd November 2011, is so far supported by 20 Members of Parliament with campaigning continuing calling for further support.  In the motion, Mr Michael congratulates the Chief Fire Officers’ Association for raise awareness of the effectiveness of sprinkler systems.

Fire Sprinkler Stop saves a massive explosion occurring

Thanks to Ross Nixon of Highlands and Islands F&RS who has notified us of a successful sprinkler activation at Boat of Garden, Inverness-shire.  At around 07:45 on 1st November 2011 a failure occurred in an acetylene torch manifold at a factory involved in processing timber . The result was that a fire took hold in the workshop area and the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue service were called.  Fortunately the 30m² workshop had sprinklers fitted and one head activated taking 15 minutes to control the fire which resulted in 10% of the workshop being damaged.nnThe incident had the potential to involve heating the acetylene cylinder with such heat as to cause a massive explosion but the sprinkler system not only controlled the fire but automatically cooled the cylinder, preventing such an outcome.  18 fire-fighters attended the incident who, following operational procedures, continued to cool the cylinder until the danger of explosion was nullified.

Fire Sprinkler Stop saves fire escalating to a large and difficult fire

Area Commander Greg Pace from Warwickshire F&RS has provided details of a successful sprinkler activation which took place in Bagington, Warwickshire at 0958 hours on 9th October 2011.  A fire occurred in the 20,800m², single story production facility of a well known potato crisp manufacturer, estimated to have a value of around £10 million. The facility was of portal frame.

CFOA back call to make fire sprinklers compulsory in new homes

The Chief Fire Officer’s Association are backing an e-petition that has been launched calling for Parliament to introduce legislation making Fire Sprinkler Systems compulsory in all new homes; a law recently introduced in Wales.  Deputy chief fire officer Chris Enness, who is also the Chief Fire Officers Association lead for sprinklers, said: “Put simply, sprinklers are the equivalent of having a firefighter ready and waiting in every room of your home.  “There are a lot of misunderstandings out there regarding how sprinklers work, but the reality is that they only actually activate when the temperature reaches over 68C and even then they only activate in affected rooms.nn“There are a number of estates and blocks of flats across the country that have had sprinklers fitted and the residents in these areas have reported feeling much safer in their homes.”  “The Welsh Government has recognised this, which is why it has now introduced legislation,” he said.  “We would like to see similar legislation introduced here in England.”  We urge all of our readers to pledge their support by signing the e-petiton.