Cleveland, residential sprinkler project pays dividends extinguishing a high rise residential building kitchen fire

In July 2017, a review of fire safety of high rise residential buildings was completed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Place Select Committee, where it was agreed that Sprinklers and misting systems are installed in all high rise residential buildings across Stockton-on-Tees.

The benefits of this decision has been clearly demonstrated following the fire at a high rise residential building of 17 floors, Hume House, Fredrick Street, Stockton.

On the 13^th June at 16:18 hours, Cleveland Fire & Rescue were mobilised to a high rise residential kitchen fire on the 7^th floor. On arrival it was established that the fire was all out with 1 sidewall sprinkler head operating, minimising and containing the fire damage to 10m².

The premises had been retrofitted with a sprinkler system, coverage provided within both the common areas, individual flats and refuge chute rooms, alongside a misting system within the ground floor refuge area.

It was established no delay took place in calling the fire and rescue service as the sprinkler system transmitted a sprinkler fire alarm signal to a remote monitoring station initiating the appropriate emergency procedures.

This incident clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of sprinklers, as part of a holistic approach to fire safety.