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Bristol kitchen high rise residential building sprinkler activation

Name: Bristol kitchen high rise residential building sprinkler activation
Start: 2025-09-06T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-09-06T23:59:59+01:00
Location: Bristol

September 6

Richard Bobruk, Business Fire Safety Officer, Avon Fire & Rescue Service:

“Automatic fire sprinkler systems are a proven life safety measure. According to a report commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the systems are:

99% effective in controlling or extinguishing fires in buildings where they are fitted.
94% reliable in terms of correct operation during an incident.

Beyond fire suppression, sprinklers reduce the production of toxic smoke and limit property damage, easing the burden on emergency services and reducing long-term recovery costs.”

Summary

The benefits of retrofitting a life safety sprinkler system in a tall residential block of flats was demonstrated following a flat kitchen fire which was quickly contained, controlled following the activation of 1 sidewall sprinkler head. No injuries were reported.

Further evidence supporting our ongoing campaign in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), National Fire Sprinkler Network, and Business Sprinkler Alliance. This initiative aims to highlight the benefits of Automatic Water Suppression Systems (AWSS) and advocate for their increased implementation throughout the built environment.

One work stream providing authoritative information to local members of parliament (MP) regarding incidents within their constituencies where sprinklers were present, having an impact. The aim is to inform MP on the benefits of AWSS to encourage support for them to influence government for change increasing the presence of sprinklers within the built environment.

It is proven Sprinklers save lives, protect firefighters, if it was not for the decision taken by Bristol City Council to undertake a program to install sprinkler in all its 62 tower blocks to provide a further layer of safety for its residents from fire, the outcome of this incident could have been so much different.

Demonstrating that a correctly designed, installed, and maintained residential sprinkler system, in line with applicable codes and standards, can reduce the rate of heat and smoke production, providing more time for occupants to leave safely.

The Incident

13:06pm, Firefighters were mobilised to a fire incident within a high-rise, purpose-built residential block of flats.
Upon completing a dynamic risk assessment, the incident commander determined that the fire was limited to a single flat located on the 8th floor of the 10-storey building.
Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus entered the premises and confirmed that the fire, originating from a frying pan left on the kitchen cooker, had been contained, controlled by the activation of a sidewall sprinkler head.
The remaining fire was fully extinguished using appropriate firefighting media. No injuries were reported.
Fire damage was sustained to the item first ignited with light smoke staining located on the wall, ceiling above the cooker hob.
The fire was confirmed as extinguished at 13:06 allowing operational crews to be released, to attend other emergency incidents.

Sprinkler System

Design of the sprinkler system, installed to BS 9251 in accordance with the guidance contained in ADB Volume 2 Appendix E.

Business Recovery plan

Firefighters are increasingly likely to respond to incidents in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems, it is therefore critical for building managers and duty holders to integrate an effective business recovery plan into the premises’ emergency protocols.
The benefit of which will allow the fire service to efficiently manage water following sprinkler system activation during a fire or in the rare event of accidental discharge, thereby mitigating potential disruptions to business operations or occupancy.
This should include comprehensive, clear and accessible onsite information to facilitate fire service engagement allowing the sprinkler system to be isolated following confirmation to the incident commander the fire is all out.

Further guidance can be found in the BAFSA Information file, Sprinkler protected Buildings: A guide for responsible persons and duty holders

Conclusion

This incident provides further evidence that the main functional objectives of a sprinkler system were achieved.

Reduce the rate of production of heat and smoke limiting fire growth and ultimately containing and controlling and, in some cases, extinguish the fire.
Prevented a potentially extended incident that could have required considerable resources from AFRS, impacting routine operations.
Limited the development of the fire, facilitating search and rescue efforts by firefighters and reducing risk to personnel.

Sources/further reading.