Bradford Converted Mill Residential Flat Sprinkler Save

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson stated.

“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly support the use of sprinkler systems as a proven lifesaving and property-protecting measure. Sprinklers activate automatically in response to heat, suppressing fires before they can spread, which not only protects occupants and firefighters but also limits damage to buildings and their contents.”

Summary

The effectiveness of installing a life safety residential sprinkler system in a former Grade-11 listed mill, now modern apartments, was demonstrated when a kitchen fire was quickly extinguished and contained to a single room by one activated sprinkler head, with no injuries reported. This incident provides further support for the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems, as also highlighted in a report conducted by Optimal Economics and commissioned by the National Fire Chief’s Council and National Fire Sprinkler Network, which examined the performance, reliability, and success of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires.

Revealed that across all building types

• Sprinklers are 99% in extinguishing or controlling a fire
• Sprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate

The incident

• 8 October 2025 at 14:02, Fire crews were mobilised to reports of a fire
• On arrival the incident commander established that.

1. The premises sprinkler system had activated within a self-contained apartment
2. 4x residents self- evacuated the premises

• Upon entering the apartment, firefighters located that a fire in the kitchen involving cooking oils had been effectively controlled and extinguished by the activation of 1 sprinkler head.
• Fire damage contained to the room of origin.
• No injuries were reported.

Conclusion

This incident reinforces.

• The benefits of AWSS protecting historic buildings where the historic fabric or contents may be irreplaceable as part of a package of fire safety measures.
• AWSS play a key role in fire safety by helping minimise fire risks to people, property, firefighters, and the environment as part of a comprehensive safety plan.
• That a correctly, designed, installed AWSS, in line with applicable codes and standards, can reduce the rate of heat and smoke production, providing more time for occupants to leave safely.
• Prevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from WYFRS, impacting routine operations.

References

• Optimal Economics Report, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council, National Fire Sprinkler Network into the performance, reliability, and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in controlling and extinguishing fires.
• Sprinkler Saves Review 2024/2025
• Sprinkler Saves autumn update 2025
• West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service