Hammersmith & Fulham Residential High Rise Sprinkler Activation

• Fire Rescue Service; London
• Incident; Fire involving smoking materials
• When; 27 August 2022
• Time of call; 10:19
• Where, The London Borough Hammersmith & Fulham
• Use of premises; Purpose built block of flats 10 or more stories
• Fixed installation; Automatic fire suppression system (AFSS)

London Fire Brigade have reported the above-mentioned incident resulting in the activation of the premises residential sprinkler system

The Premises

• 1960’s residential block of flats of concrete frame construction/floors
• The flats are located on the upper floors above officer/community rooms on the ground floor
• The housing provider London Borough Hammersmith and Fulham retrofitted sprinklers as part of a fire safety initiative through their “Fire Safety Plus” programme (Dwellings only)

Fixed installations

• Residential AFSS (Sprinklers, retrofitted)
• Wet Riser

Incident

• On arrival crews established that the fire was on the 18^th floor involving a studio flat
• One sprinkler head actuated in the living room containing/controlling the fire
• 1 Breathing Apparatus crew consisting of two firefighters committed with 45mm jet, wet riser
• 25% of the flat damaged by fire
• One male adult required medical attention

Sprinkler system

• Contained/controlled the fire
• 1x Fire sprinkler head actuated

 Benefits of the sprinkler system 

• Rapidly reduced the rate of production of heat and smoke allowing the fire service crucial time to implement their operational tactical plan
• Flashover prevented
• Fire contained in compartment of origin

Conclusion

• The decision taken by housing providers across the United Kingdom in this case the London Borough Hammersmith & Fulham, demonstrating the benefits of retrofitting sprinklers in their high-rise residential property portfolio as part of a holistic approach to provide a further layer of safety for residents from fire should be applauded
• This incident clearly demonstrates once again the benefits of retrofitting sprinklers protecting.

1. life, reducing injuries from fire
2. Property
3. Firefighters

Links

• BAFSA, Sprinkler Saves Annual Review 2021/2022
• BAFSA, Incident Data Reports, Focus on Sprinklers within high rise residential block of flats
• The London Borough Hammersmith and Fulham