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Sprinklers Extinguish Fire in Retrofitted Southampton High-Rise Building
June 19
A fire in a 13-storey purpose-built block of flats in Southampton has highlighted the vital role retrofitted residential sprinkler systems play as part of a package of fire safety measures protecting residents and firefighters from fires in high rise residential buildings.
The incident occurred at Rotterdam Tower on 19 June 2026 at 11:16 am, where the premises’ sprinkler system activated on the seventh floor, extinguishing a small kitchen fire. One member of the public was rescued from the dwelling before the arrival of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) requiring treatment for smoke inhalation, discharged at the scene.
Southampton City Council demonstrated its commitment to fire safety by agreeing in June 2017 to fund the retrofitting of residential sprinklers within its twenty high-rise residential buildings as part of a phased programme to improve fire safety for its residents, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire and involved close collaboration with HIWFRS.
This is not the first fire incident reported which was successfully extinguished by the building retrofitted sprinkler system following the completion of this programme of works. 12 August 2025 a fire in a Southampton scissor design residential block involving textiles that had been accidentally left on a cooking hob was contained, extinguished with no injuries reported.
A sprinkler activation is categorised as an event where one or more sprinkler heads have activated and contained, controlled, or, in some cases, extinguished a building fire. This incident provides further evidence of the effectiveness and benefits of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy.
Further weight is given to the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems following a report conducted by 1Optimal Economics, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council and the National Fire Sprinkler Network. The report revealed that across all premises types:
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- Sprinklers are 99% efficient in extinguishing or controlling a fire.
- Sprinklers are 94% efficient in their ability to operate.
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) welcomed the government’s November 2020 decision to lower the height threshold for mandatory sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential blocks of flats) from 30 metres to 11 metres. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the lack of requirements to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers.
In alignment with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sprinkler position statement, BAFSA advocates for government action to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings. This should include all existing residential buildings over 18 metres in height, or those with at least seven storeys served by a single staircase, as well as all existing residential buildings exceeding 11 metres, based on risk assessments.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the benefits of installing residential sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings. In this instance, the sprinkler system:
- Prevented conflagration of the building
- Effectively contained fire spread, extinguishing the fire and playing a key role in mitigating risks for firefighting personnel.
- Allowed valuable time for the occupier to be rescued from the dwelling to a place of safety.
- Provided confidence and support to firefighters operating within a high-rise residential building.
- Identified the importance of active fire protection systems in minimising fire-related risks.
This incident underscores the integral role of Automatic Water Suppression Systems as part of a comprehensive fire strategy that protects lives, property, and the environment. It also strengthens ongoing advocacy efforts by the NFCC and stakeholders within the fire sector for more stringent government regulations regarding the retrofitting of sprinklers in existing buildings. Strong advocacy and policy lobbying depend on robust supporting evidence. If you have knowledge of a sprinkler incident that could benefit this initiative, please share the pertinent details using the sprinkler activation reporting form at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk.
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