Brentwood Factory Sprinkler Activation 1936

Source believed to be a Brentwood local newspaper cutting for August 28 1936

My thanks to Maurice Fisher for reporting a manufacturing factory fire which occurred in the film winding department at Ilford Ltd’s Selo factory, Woodman Road, Brentwood, which activated the premises automatic sprinkler system on Tuesday 25 August 1936.

Providing further evidence on the resilience, benefits of sprinkler systems even though this incident took place 89 years ago. According to a newspaper cutting, it is reported that a piece of factory machinery burst into flames resulting in one member of staff sustaining burns whilst using a fire extinguisher to tackle the fire, with further several men overcome by smoke and fumes and gas masks required by members of Brentwood Fire Brigade

The premises automatic sprinkler system came into operation and was of great assistance subduing the fire. The fire was overcome by Brentwood Fire Brigade within 1 hour after their arrival. The Selo factory which has now been demolished for housing was constructed in the 1920’s which may indicate that the sprinkler system was installed over one hundred years ago.

Further information on the history of Selo Factory can be found on the Photomemorabilia website, by clicking this link.

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