South Wales Domestic Sprinkler Activation

• Date of incident; 18 November 2023
• Location; South Wales
• Use of building; Single Private Dwelling (House)
• Location of fire; Bedroom
• Automatic Fire Suppression System; Sprinklers, BS9251:2014 Category 1

RSP Fire Sprinkler Systems have reported the above-mentioned incident involving a family house fire in the South Wales valleys. It is reported that one sprinkler head activated extinguishing the fire caused by an accident involving a cigarette lighter, no injuries were reported. Reinstatement of the system was completed in under 2 hours from time of call received by RSP at 1:32.

In October 2013, The National Assembly for Wales passed legislation that require fire sprinkler systems to be installed in new converted houses and flats. Without this decision the outcome of this fire could have been so much different.  Tragically identified following the recent multiple fatal house fire in Hounslow, London in November 2023, sprinklers were not fitted. Unlike Wales, sprinklers are not mandatory for new and converted homes in England, Sprinklers are only required for life safety for new residential blocks with a top floor height of 11 mabove ground level.

Links

• Sprinkler Saves Review 2022/2023
• Sprinkler Saves Update No 2
• London Fire Brigade incident Hounslow