Manchester Waste Site Collection and Recycling Centre

On the 7th May 2021 at 13:02 hours, 3 pumping appliances from Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS)were mobilised to a fire at the Biffa Waste Services Ltd waste collection and recycling centre on the Northbank Industrial Estate, Irlam

On their arrival it was established that a dry pipe sprinkler system had operated in the warehouse loading bay activating 20 heads, suppressing the fire located in the warehouse loading bay before the arrival of operational crews.

Having this type of automatic fire suppression system installed brings with it a number of benefits for your business:
1.They’re fast-acting, suppressing the fire, keeping the fire under control before major damage is caused to buildings and equipment.
2.Minimises financial losses incurred from having to replace damaged goods, plant and machinery
3.Reduces the time you need to close following the fires

On this occasion, business interruption minimised to 3 hours, reducing potential losses of £40,000-£50,000 to £3,000. The cause of the fire, lithium battery igniting waste, affecting approximately 5,000m2.

UK fire and rescue services attend around 300 significant fires in waste sites each year. Fires in waste sites are often difficult to extinguish, needing a lot of resources for long periods, and can have serious effects on public health, the environment, safety to firefighters and local communities.

Kris Egerton, Operations Supervisor at Biffa, said: “We are grateful that the timely action of the sprinkler system helped stop the spread of the fire that broke out at our site in Gilchrist Road and enabled firefighters to bring it under control quickly. As a result, we were able to minimise damage and resume operations swiftly. The sprinkler system adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring our people and the public are safe.”

GMFRS have uploaded to You Tube digital content featuring the manager of the Biffa waste recycling manager sharing their experiences and knowledge to encourage others to consider having sprinklers installed. Debunking the myths surrounding sprinklers.