Sprinkler Saves

Revised Sprinkler Save In Cornwall’s Only High-Rise Residential block
2021-11-01 12:43 - 13:45 (Europe/London) | St Austell
Date of incident; 1 November 2021
Time of call; 12:43
Attendance of Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service
Park House, Bridge Road St Austell
Occupancy; Residential
Location of fire; Kitchen
Sprinkler system retrofitted

Update 26November

Your attention is drawn to the above images that show the effectiveness of the sidewall sprinkler head that activated following a cooking fire in the kitchen
The fire took place on the second floor of the 12 storey high rise residential block

Credit images, Domestic Sprinklers
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service have reported the following incident that clearly identifies the benefits of retrofitting residential sprinklers, in this case within a 12-storey high-rise residential block.
Cornwall’s only high rise residential block!!!!!!!!!
Following reports of an automatic fire alarm sounding in a block of flats, operational crews were mobilised from St Austell Community Fire Station.
On arrival, it was Identified that a fire had been extinguished by the residential sprinkler system within a flat, one occupant required medical attention due to the effects of smoke inhalation. The fire was contained within the flat preventing further fire spread and flashover.
Coverage of the system included all 67 residential flats, communal areas, laundry room and store shed, the installation was completed in February 2019.
Links

BAFSA focus May 2021 publication, for all the latest news on sprinklers
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service
Falmouth Packet

Paint Factory Sprinkler Activation Wolverhampton
2021-10-29 | Heath Town, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Date of Incident; 29 October 2021
Location; Heath Town
Industrial/warehouse unit
FRS; West Midlands Fire service (WMFS)
Activation, commercial sprinkler system

WMFS, reported that 8 fire appliances including an aerial platform attended a fire in the roof space of an ink (paint) industrial unit involving 42 firefighters.
Argus fire protection reported, the commercial sprinkler system activated extinguishing the fire in the area it protected. The benefit of which allowed WMFS to deal with the unprotected part of the building which sustained fire damage.
Business continuity is key, this incident clearly demonstrates the benefits of sprinklers. You must ask yourself would the outcome of been different for this business, if sprinklers protected the whole building?
Following any fire, you must ask yourself what the financial impact of the lost building is, its contents, the business disruption and jobs and the cost to the environment. Specifically in the light of the recent climate meeting in Glasgow.
your attention is drawn to the article by Tom Roche Secretary of the business sprinkler alliance, “when a building burns down what is the cost to the environment”
Links
BAFSA, further information on sprinklers can be found in the BAFSA yearbook 2021/22
Business Sprinkler Alliance, when a building burns down what is the cost to the environment (article by Tom Roche Secretary of the BSA)
Express & Star

Birmingham High Rise Sprinkler Save
2021-10-29 | Bromford, Birmingham
Date: – 29 October 2021
Location: – Bromford
Occupancy: -High rise residential block
Number of floors:-13
Fire & Rescue Service: – West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS)

WMFS, have reported that a fire within a 6th floor flat was extinguished by the residential sprinkler system, with no casualties reported.
It should not be understated, the importance of focusing on Business Continuity by management allowing an effective response when designing, installing a residential sprinkler system for the following reasons: –

Safeguards to prevent any significant impact from an unwanted significant incident such as a fire and the knock-on effect this can have on the occupancy.
Information for crews is paramount, attending crews may have to interact with these systems and therefore need accurate, concise, and up to date information when developing firefighting tactics.
Specifically identifying where the sprinkler isolation valves are located.

It is therefore disappointing that Birmingham Live reported that the sprinkler system flooded a number of flats on the floors below.
It should be remembered for the above-mentioned incident:

The fire was extinguished by the sprinkler system
No injuries were reported
The fire was contained to the compartment of origin, flashover prevented

A Correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect and control a fire at an early stage of development and activate an alarm
Links

BAFSA, webinar recordings now available:-

Towards a greater understanding of BS9251: 2021 (Fire sprinkler systems for domestic and residential occupancies)
BS EN 14972 Fixed firefighting systems. Water mist systems. Part 1.

Click here to open

WMFS twitter feed
Birmingham Live

Copyright WMFS

London Shopping Centre Fire
2021-10-17 10:03 - 13:09 | s, Stratford, United Kingdom
Fire Rescue Service; London Fire Brigade
Location; Stratford
Occupancy; Shopping Centre
Location of fire; single retail unit
Date of incident; 17 October 2021
Time of Call 10:03
Activation premises sprinkler system
Cause of the fire; electrical

It is reported that 25% of a of a retail unit on the first floor was damaged by fire, the cause of the fire was electrical.
The premises sprinkler system activated suppressing the fire, two jets were used by operational crews
The shopping centre was evacuated with no injuries reported.

The benefits of sprinklers clearly demonstrated following the above mentioned incident.
It should be remembered sprinklers/ controls the size of the fire, reducing the amount of smoke produced.
In shopping centres, it is common practice to protect the commercial unit/shop with sprinklers to control the fire size. Sprinklers are not installed in the malls to prevent overcooling of the smoke, and the risk of wet slippery surfaces on escape routes
Shopping centres are one of the most complex buildings that often include a variety of uses within the complex, leisure areas, hotels, apartments, cinemas and offices. Therefore, retail centres require a high standard of management compared to other building uses.
Management is key ensuring the premises fire safety systems are operable in the event of a fire including sprinklers, fire alarm system, dry/wet risers, smoke extraction units and fire curtains
To highlight this, London Fire Brigade published an open letter in 2020, to those responsible for fire safety in shopping centres. Highlighting the importance of maintaining fire safety systems including the premises sprinkler systems
Links

BAFSA; Information file 4 RetailLFB incidents
BAFSA; Warehouses Animation
LFB; Open letter to shopping centre managers
LFB; Press release

Essex Residential Sprinkler Save
2021-10-12 10:23 - 10:50 | Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom
Location; Harlow Essex
Date of incident; 12 October 2021
Time of call; 10:23
4x Fire Appliances mobilised

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (communications department) have reported that a bin fire in a residential block of flats was successfully extinguished following the activation of the residential sprinkler system. The cause of the fire was a candle which had been extinguished but not cooled sufficiently before it was disposed of in the bin.
On arrival crews established that the sprinkler system had successfully extinguished the fire, damage to the premises was minimal.
ESFRS Press release: –
Crew Manager, Jonathan Allen, Harlow Fire Station, said:
“This incident shows how important it is to make sure candles are fully cooled before disposing of them. “This week is National Candle Safety week, and with winter around the corner, people will be using candles more. We encourage you to take a look at all of our safety advice to make sure candles set the mood, not a fire.”
This incident clearly demonstrates the benefits of sprinklers,
Detailed analysis of fires attended by fire and rescue services (England) from April 2018 to March 2019 reported, 240 related deaths,186 of which were were in dwelling fires. The Impact of fire, injuries/fatalities in the home should not be underestimated.
A correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect and control a fire at an early stage of development and activate an alarm
Links

BAFSA Information file;, Fire sprinklers in dwellings,
ECFRS; Press release
Fire and rescue incident statistics, England, year ending March 2019

Cumbria waste site deluge save
2021-10-04 05:47 - 07:00 | Hespin Wood, United Kingdom
Fire Rescue Service; Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS)
Date of Incident; 04/10/21
Location; Hespin Wood
Time of call; 05:47
Occupancy; waste management
2 pumping; appliances
Deluge; fixed fire protection system

CFRS have reported a fire within a commercial building ion the second floor involving a waste site conveyor belt which sustained extensive damage.
The fire was suppressed by the operation of the onsite deluge system containing the fire before the arrival of operational crews.
Crews attended from Carlisle West Fire Station locating several seats of fire which was extinguished with a hose reel jet,
What is a deluge system?
A fixed fire protection system designed to protect against a specific risk/hazard. A large number of open-ended nozzle heads simultaneously activate to bring the fire under control.
Links

BAFSA information file 15, types of sprinkler systems
News & Star
CFRS

SprinklerSave : high rise, London
2021-09-29
Date of incident;29 September 2021
time of call; 0707
Location; Croydon
Property type ;Purpose built block of flats over 10 floors

The benefits of sprinklers have clearly been clearly demonstrated once again following a further fire in the same residential block of flats following an earlier incident reported in July of this year.
This latest incident resulted in the activation of a sidewall sprinkler head following a fire involving a tea light. Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, Croydon Council announced it would retrofit sprinklers in its 25 tallest residential blocks of 10-12 storeys and an eight-storey sheltered block.The programme was completed in 2019. In total 26 Tower blocks are now protected by fire sprinklers under the council’s £10m retrofitting programme.
LFB press release
Part of a four-roomed flat on the fifth floor of the building was damaged by fire. One man left the property before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a tea light candle.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fires in the home and you should be careful when using them.
“It’s really important that you never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything that could catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes.
“We recommend swapping traditional candles for LED flameless ones as they are much safer, but if you do use real candles, follow our simple safety tips.”
The Brigade was called at 0707 and the fire was under control by 0855. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Norbury, Woodside and Croydon fire stations attended the scene.
Links

Sprinklers will automatically protect your home from fire, BAFSA animation video
LFB press release
Croydon Press release

High Wycombe Personal Protection System Activation
2021-09-28 | High Wycombe
Date of Incident; 28 September 2021
Fire Rescue Service; Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Location; High Wycombe District
Location of fire; Room
Type of property; flat
Ignition source; Smoking materials
Automatic Fire Suppression System; Personal Protection System (PPS)

The above-mentioned incident has been reported by Surefire. In July 2019, Redkite community housing installed a Ultrguard PPS Unit following previous fire incidents involving a resident reducing the level of fire risk faced by the resident.In the early hours of the 28 September 2021, the resident woke up to smoke a cigarette, accidentally the lit cigarette dropped onto the floor which caught their slippers to catch light.
Sufficient smoke was generated to activate the two double knock multi sensor alarms detectors and trigger the PPS unit to discharge, alerting the resident to the fire who was able the vacate the property before the arrival of the Fire & Rescue Service. Thankfully, no injuries were reported
To satisfy the Fire and Rescue Service, the UltraGuard PPS was chosen to protect this resident as it is certified to LPS 1655 (LPCB Third Party Approval Standard). The importance of a third-party approval standard should not be underestimated as it provides confidence about the design, performance, and reliability of these systems in practice.
Risk Profile/ Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
This incident clearly shows the importance of Identifying those residents that are most vulnerable by the completion of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). This is likely to be completed in premises where the risk to persons in a fire situation is increased due to cognitive or mobility impairments.UltraGuard personal protection systems combine early warning of a fire through smoke detection and water mist for the delivery of suppression.
Early detection of a fire is important is important, as occupants can quickly become overwhelmed by smoke and toxic gases, the biggest killer in a fire.
Care needs to be taken to ensure that the risk profile of the vulnerable person is appropriate for PPS. For example, a vulnerable person who is mobile and living in a multi roomed flat has the potential to be affected by a fire anywhere in their home. As a result, they would possibly require a full Automatic Water Fire Suppression system (such as a sprinkler system that is designed, installed and maintained to BS9251 Fire sprinkler systems for domestic and residential occupancies providing full coverage within the flat.
What are Personal Protection Systems?

Unlike sprinkler systems, PPS are local application watermist fire suppression system combining smoke detection
Designed to specifically protect vulnerable individuals with mobility and disability impairments from the threat of fire risk in residential and domestic occupancies who are unlikely to easily escape without assistance in the event of a fire
Developed in response to analysis of fatal fires in dwellings where many victims had physical and/or mental health impairment
The publication, “Guidance on the use, deployment and limitations of Personal Protection Systems in the homes of vulnerable people” developed by BRE Global and the London Fire Brigade, to assist in understanding and reducing fire risk to vulnerable people
BRE Global introduced a loss prevention standard, LPS 1655 covering the requirements and test methods for the LPCB approval of Personal Protection Systems.

Key components

Portable self contained unit
3 day battery back-up in case of mains failure
Delivers 10 minutes of water mist
Activation, double knock multi sensor detectors
Nozzle discharges a spray pattern
Capable of suppressing an area of16m2, and controlling an area of 32m²
Parameters of the system allow fast burning, slow smouldering fires to be detected
Facility for remote monitoring

This incident clearly identifies the benefits of installing a PPS certified to LPS1655. (LPCB third party approval standard, a business case has recently been accepted by BSI for a British Standard for PPS.
Links

British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, Care Homes Animation
BRE/LFB publication, “Guidance on the use, deployment and limitations of Personal Protection Systems in the homes of vulnerable people”
Loss Prevention Standard, 1655 Requirements and test methods for the LPCB approval of Personal Protection Watermist Systems.
Personal Protection system, video

Luton Shopping Center Sprinkler Save
2021-09-16 | Luton
Basement Shopping Center, Sprinkler Save

Date of incident :- 16 September 2021
Location :-Luton Mall shopping centre
Occupancy:- Commercial /retail unit,
Location of fire :-Basement
Cause of fire:- Electrical intake box
Injuries/fatalities:- None reported

The benefits of installing commercial sprinkler systems in shopping centers clearly demonstrated once again following the recently reported Shepherd’s Bush Mall sprinkler save dated 9 September 2021
It has been reported in Luton Today/ Bedfordshire Live that a fire was suppressed by the shopping Centre sprinkler system before the arrival of the fire and rescue service.
A Bedfordshire Fire spokesman said: “Firefighters from Luton, Dunstable, Stopsley, Leighton Buzzard and Toddington attended a small electrical fire in Poundland. “The area was heavily smoke-logged and firefighters in breathing apparatus used a hose reel and mains jets to extinguish it. They also used fans to help ventilation.”
Mall Luton general manager Roy Greening said: “The sprinkler system activated immediately and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries.”Luton fire brigade was called and helped ventilate the unit before declaring it was safe at around 1am.”
Did you know

A sprinkler system will control the size of the fire, reducing the amount of smoke generated.
In shopping centres it is common practice to protect shop units only with sprinklers to control the fire size.
Over 4,000 fires occur in retail outlets every year.
On average, large fires cause over 5 million pounds of damage every year in shops. (This excludes fires under £250,000).
Sprinklers are not widely used in the UK because the guidance rarely prescribes their use.
It has been proven sprinklers prevent large fires because they activate automatically over a fire, controlling or even extinguishing the blaze before the Fire and Rescue Service arrives.
They therefore save lives and protect firefighters who attend incidents.
Prevent significant damage or destruction of a building by fire.
A sprinkler system can prevent major financial and equipment losses.

Links

Shepherd’s Bush Mall Sprinkler Save
BAFSA, information file 4 Retail
Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
Luton today
Bedfordshire Live

Image :-Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Sprinklers Suppress London Shopping Centre fire
2021-09-09 02:46 | Shepherd’s Bush
Date of incident: 9 September 2021
Time of incident : 02:46 hours
London Fire Brigade (LFB) resources: 4 Fire Appliances
Location of fire : Commercial unit
Premises type:Shopping Centre
Location: Shepherds Bush
Cause of fire : Failure of a capacitor within a fridge compressor compartment.
The LFB have reported in a press release, the above mentioned incident involving the activation of the sprinkler system in a commercial unit.

The shop was fitted with a sprinkler system which activated 5-10 sprinkler heads suppressing the fire until firefighters arrived at the scene. Only a small part of the shop was damaged by fire. No injuries are reported.
Station Officer Gavin Jones was at the scene, he said:
“This fire highlights the clear benefits of sprinklers to businesses and we would urge all companies and business owners to install them.
“Thanks to the sprinkler activating it helped control the fire spread and limited fire damage.”
Business Continuity
It is a fact:-

Fires have a significant impact on business continuity
Leading to business closures
Large impact on fire and rescue services

The installation of sprinklers plays a holistic approach of fire safety measures, in reducing the impact of fire on people property and the environment. They also restrict fire development assisting firefighters in carrying out search and rescue operations.
Further information regarding this incident, commercial sprinklers, click the links below

British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, Information file publications
Retail 4
FAQs Industrial Commercial Sprinkler Systems 6b
London Fire Brigade press release

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Edinburgh Community High School Sprinkler Save
2021-09-02 10:59 - 2021-09-03 08:00 | Edinburgh
Date of incident :-2 September 2021
Time of Incident:- 10:59
Location of fire:- First floor toilet
Following the article published by Edinburgh live, it is reported that The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the above mentioned school which activated the automatic fire suppression system.(AFSS)
A Scottish Fire and Rescue service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.59am on Thursday, September 2 by a fire alarm activation from a school on Pennywell Road, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a first floor toilet. “There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
The benefits of sprinklers clearly demonstrated on the subject of business continuity, It is noted on the school website, that the school was closed following the fire, reopened the following day.
This incident clearly demonstrates the importance of installing AFSS in schools, London Fire Brigade (LFB) figures show there were 759 fires in London schools between 2009 and July 2017 and sprinklers were only installed in 15 of these cases.
Did you know that the inclusion of automatic fire sprinklers at the design stage is mandatory in Wales since 2014and Scotland since 2010. In England this is only an expectation, The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) believes sprinklers should be fitted in all new build schools in England and Northern Ireland and supports the need for sprinklers to be mandatory in the Review of BB100 (Design Guide for Fire Safety in Schools).
Further information on sprinklers in schools can be found in the following BAFSA articles/publications, links

Sprinklers and innovative school design, what could be more beneficial to the design of a school than the inclusion of automatic fire sprinklers at the design stage asks Keith MacGillivray. BAFSA, sprinkler focus newsletter publication please click here
Fires in schools By Ritchie O’Connell, BAFSA year book 2021/22 please click here
BAFSA Information file 1 Sprinklers In schools please click here
Our thanks to Edinburgh live for reporting this incident please click here
School Update 2 September Please click here
Building Bulletin 100: fire safety design for schools consultation please click here

Further details are expected to be provided by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service shortly on the above mentioned incident.

Isle of Dogs High Rise Flat Sprinkler Save
2021-08-17 13:30 - 14:37 | Isle of Dogs, United Kingdom
On the 17 August, 14:03 pm, London Fire Brigade (LFB) were called to a high rise residential flat fire on the 37th floor on Marsh Wall in the Isle of Dogs.
Two residential sprinkler heads operated containing the fire and limiting its impact with fire damage limited to a small part of the flat. Operational crews were able to identify and locate the sprinkler isolation valve minimising water egress, a key aspect of business continuity where automatic suppression systems are installed.
Fire crews from Poplar, Shadwell, Bethnal Green and Plaistow attended the incident. The fire was under control by 14:37pm.
The cause of the fire is believed to be unattended candle
Tower Hamlets Borough Commander Richard Tapp said:
“The sprinkler suppression system made a big difference in containing the fire and limiting its impact.
“A number of people evacuated from the fire floor before firefighters arrived. Other residents remained in their unaffected flats. The firefighters that attended worked quickly and the vast majority of residents were back inside their flats within an hour of the first call.
“Sprinklers are the only fire safety system that detects a fire, suppresses a fire and raises the alarm.
“They save lives and protect property and they are especially important where there are vulnerable residents who would find it difficult to escape, like those with mobility problems.”
New Providence Wharf fire
It should be noted that on May 7th, LFB attended a high rise residential fire at New Providence Wharf which started in a consumer unit in an 8th floor flat. Residential sprinklers were not fitted.
The fire proceeded to travel out of an open balcony window. At the same time smoke poured into the corridor through a flat door that had accidentally been kept open
Would the outcome of been different if sprinklers had been fitted suppressing the fire before the arrival of the fire service?
A report has been released by the LFB identifying a  serious failure of a smoke ventilation system that resulted in the building acting like a “broken chimney”  left residents’ only escape route smoke logged.
Click here to view

Rufforth Recycling Plant Sprinkler Save
2021-08-11 | Rufforth, United Kingdom
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (NYFRS)were called to a fire at 20.33pm, August 11. Dispatching two appliances from Acomb with additional appliances from York and Huntington to attend a fire in a recycling plant building measuring 100m x 25m.
The onsite pre-action type B sprinkler system operated and controlled/suppressed the fire before the arrival of NYFRS who proceeded to use firefighting jets.
(A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of sprinkler that requires a two-step process in order to discharge. These systems work well in areas where accidental discharge needs to be prevented. Pre-action fire sprinklers are a dry sprinkler system, water is not contained in the pipes but is held back by a pre-action valve)
A total of 9 sprinkler heads had operated and were replaced the same day and system left back on line. System designed to LPC/BSEN12845 rules with K160 wax coated sprinklers at roof providing a density of 16mm (12.5+3.5mm added density for excessive clearance) over 260m2.
Plant machinery was then used to remove the recycling from the building allowing the contents of the building to be turned over, The cause of the fire is unknown. Fire safety is paramount to reduce the risk from fire as part of a holistic approach to reduce the ever present danger for the recycling and waste management industry with self-combustible waste and high hazard waste, to the hazards posed by machinery and vehicles.
To protect plant, loaders, electrical cabinets, conveyors consideration should be given to the installation of heat and flame detection and bespoke fire suppression systems, the outcome of which will ensure business continuity.
Further guidance on fire suppression systems for the waste management industry can be found in the BAFSA Information File (BIF 25)
The National Fire Chiefs Council, recommends that sprinklers are provided in facilities providing waste management and recycling. There is growing evidence that sprinklers are highly effective in controlling fires in these establishments. Uncontrolled fires in waste and recycling facilities are often prolonged, extremely resource intensive for fire and rescue services and partner authorities. They are also commonly disruptive to local communities and to travel infrastructure.
The Environment Agency (EA) Fire Prevention plans (FPP)
Did you know that EA requires FPP to be submitted with all permit variations and new permit applications (at application stage) for sites that store combustible waste. The FPP needs to be approved by the EA before a permit is granted.
A fire prevention plan (FPP) is a standalone management system that details the prevention measures and procedures as well as mitigation methods in place to protect against fire whilst carrying out day to day operations on a site.
A requirement for the FPP is that , if you store waste in a building , you must install a fire suppression system. This system should be proportionate to the nature and scale of waste management activities completed and the associated risks.
Further guidance can be found in the EA guidance, Fire Prevention plans: environmental permits

Nottingham Leisure & Entertainment Complex Sprinkler Save
2021-08-08 20:45 - 2021-08-13 21:24 | Nottingham
Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at the Cornerhouse a large leisure and entertainment complex located in the centre of Nottingham city centre, containing a number of commercial premises at 8:45 Sunday 8 August.
It was established that the premises sprinkler system activated flowing a fire in the extraction system in one of the commercial premises. On arrival crews established that the fire had been extinguished due to actuation of the sprinkler system
David Stevenson, Group Manager for Protection, said: “This incident shows how effective sprinkler systems can be in quickly stopping the spread of fire to save property and lives.
“Had sprinklers not been installed, this fire could have easily spread endangering the business itself and others within The Cornerhouse.
“We encourage all businesses to regularly review their fire safety measures and to contact our Fire Protection team if they have any concerns.”
Further information on commercial sprinkler systems can be found in BAFSA information file 6b FAQs commercial sprinkler systems.

Coventry high rise residential bin store fire
2021-08-08 00:00 | Stoney
On the evening of the 8 August, 2021, West Midlands Fire Rescue Service despatched crews from four local fire stations Foleshill, Coventry, Binley and Canley. Following reports of the bin store being alight at Faulkner House, Stoney a 17 storey residential block of flats.
On arrival it was identified that the automatic fire suppression system had operated suppressing the fire protecting both residents and firefighters.
Dangers of bin store fires
It should be noted that the outcome of a communal bin store fire can have a dramatic effect on the safety of the residents, specifically where refuse chutes and access hatches can sometimes be found directly opening onto protected corridors, lobbies and stairs, so providing the potential for the spread of fire and smoke to the common escape routes.
It is therefore best practice In these situations :-

Automatic fire-resisting shutter should be fitted at the base of the refuse chute to restrict the spread of fire and smoke from a fire in the bin room. The shutter should, as a minimum, be operated on a fixed temperature fusible link.
Bespoke sprinkler system, Further protection can be provided by the installation of a sprinkler system located over the bins, with either frangible bulb or fusible link sprinkler heads, or open sprinkler heads with water discharge controlled by smoke detectors. The provision of sprinklers should always be considered where access hatches open into protected stairways or lobbies containing more than two flat entrance doors

Housing providers across the country are recognising the danger of these type of fires, London Borough Barking & Dagenham for example , reduced the risk by the retrofitting of sprinklers into all their high rise residential block bin stores, 22 in total. Following match funding received from the London Fire Brigade (£84,250) to help fund this initiative.

Newport High Rise Residential Bin Store Fire
2021-08-07 08:30 - 09:00 | Newport
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (SWFRS) were mobilised to a fire following the activation of the sprinkler system involving a refuse bin located on the ground floor of a 11 storey residential accommodation block

Lela Pirouet, fire safety officer for Newport City Homes, informed the South Wales Argus “Our sprinkler system did its job of being activated and extinguishing the fire before it could spread. There is a sprinkler unit in the bin area, and it was set off by the heat and smoke going up the chute.
“Sprinklers save lives, and we are proud to have started a programme to fit these devices in 2,500 flats and communal areas over the next three years. ”
“We believe it was caused by a discarded lit cigarette and that this incident could have been avoided if someone had been more careful.”
“There are 82 flats in Hillview. When the alarm went off residents from all, except for the two flats who were close to the smoke, stayed in their homes and followed the fire safety arrangements for this building. ”
“I would like to thank the residents for their support during this incident.”
This was the second sprinkler save at Hillview involving the residential bin store in two years, the previous fire took place in August 2019 which is believed to of been caused by another discarded lit cigarette
Business continuity, on both occasions the alarm directly linked to the sprinkler save allowed the appropriate immeditae emergency response. The outcome of which allowed SWFRS to be immediately mobilised to the incident.
Newport City Homes have to be applauded for their current sprinkler project ensuring that their most vulnerable residents are protected from fire following a further commitment to install automatic sprinkler systems in over 2000 of their properties.
Dangers of bin store fires:- It should be noted that the outcome of a communal bin store fire can have a dramatic effect on the safety of the residents, specifically where refuse chutes and access hatches can sometimes be found directly opening onto protected corridors, lobbies and stairs, so providing the potential for the spread of fire and smoke to the common escape routes.
It is therefore best practice In these situations :-

Automatic fire-resisting shutter should be fitted at the base of the refuse chute to restrict the spread of fire and smoke from a fire in the bin room. The shutter should, as a minimum, be operated on a fixed temperature fusible link.
Bespoke sprinkler system, Further protection can be provided by the installation of a sprinkler system located over the bins, with either frangible bulb or fusible link sprinkler heads, or open sprinkler heads with water discharge controlled by smoke detectors. The provision of sprinklers should always be considered where access hatches open into protected stairways or lobbies containing more than two flat entrance doors

Housing providers across the country are recognising the danger of these type of fires, London Borough Barking & Dagenham for example , reduced the risk by the retrofitting of sprinklers into all their high rise residential block bin stores, 22 in total. Following match funding received from the London Fire Brigade (£84,250) to help fund this initiative.
Further information regarding general sprinkler systems can be found in BAFSA publication BIF 06A General Sprinklers Questions
Further Links
SWFRS
Newport City Homes
South Wales Argus

Essex Superstore Sprinkler Save
2021-08-07 00:00 | Waltham Abbey
Essex Superstore Sprinkler Save
On the 7 August at 4.51am, Essex Fire & Rescue Service were called to a fire at a large supermarket store in Waltham Abbey. The commercial sprinkler system activated suppressing a fire in one of the rooms within the store.
BAFSA comment : Automatic fire sprinklers will control the spread of a fire and protect businesses and families from the physical and psychological effects of a fire as well as the practical disruption of lives in small communities
Part B of the building regulations requires the installation of sprinklers under certain circumstances, such as new residential blocks of more than 11m in height and uncompartmented areas of shops or self storage buildings of more than 2000 square metres.
FAQs Industrial and Commercial Sprinkler Systems can be found in the BAFSA information file 6b

Person assisted from Lincoln flat after chip pan fire
2021-08-07 00:00 | Lincoln, Picton Street, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Lincoln chip pan sprinkler save
Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service (LFRS) tweeted at 7 August, 15:51 hours details of a kitchen fire involving a chip pan left unattended.
The residential sprinkler head activated restricting damage to 50% of the kitchen and moderate smoke damage to 100% of the flat.
On arrival operational crews identified that the fire was all out due to the activation of the residential sprinkler system, assisting 1 adult and 2 cats to safety and administrated oxygen due to smoke inhalation.
BAFSA have released a comprehensive video that demonstrates the clear benefits of sprinklers involving chip pan fires, click here to open
Fire statistical data collated from incidents attended by fire and rescue service involving dwellings for the financial year 2019/20 confirmed that 1494 incidents took place involving chip pan fires
(The Home Office collects detailed information on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services.)

Chip pan fire safety tips can be found by clicking here

Manchester High Rise Sprinkler Save
2021-08-02 17:24 | Eccles, Manchester, United Kingdom
GMFRS have reported the above mentioned incident which took place in August.

17 floor flat fire
Date of incident 2 August 2021
Time of call 17:24
Location Eccles
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS)
6 Pumping Appliances

The residential sprinkler system activated following an electrical fire extinguished before the arrival of operational crews. Fire damage was contained to the room of origin.
Your attention is drawn to a tweet uploaded by BAFSA on the 13 October focusing on 2 fires, 1 day, 2 different outcomes.

12th October : London high rise fire, flat destroyed. 2 hospitalised. No sprinkler system installed
12 October : Harlow flat fire, extinguished by the residential sprinkler system

This incident clearly identifies the benefits of retrofitting sprinklers in high rise residential blocks
Links

BAFSA Twitter
Essex Harlow sprinkler save
Manchester Evening News
LFB

Stockport Lithium Battery Flat Fire Extinguished by Sprinkler System
2021-07-24 17:50 - 17:57 | Edgeley, United Kingdom
The decision by Stockport Homes and Stockport Council to approve a multi million pound sprinkler system retrofit investment programme to fund the installation of sprinklers in all 22 of Stockport tower blocks has proven to show that it is money well spent following the fire in a high rise block in Edgedley.
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) despatched Six fire appliances and one aerial appliance to a kitchen fire in a 8 storey high rise residential block on the 24 July 2021 at 17:50 hours.
On their arrival it was identified that one residential sidewall head had operated extinguishing a lithium battery fire.
The sprinkler head activated, discharging water on to the fire for only 7 minutes keeping damage to a minimum.
This was due to the appropriate sprinkler installation information being available on site, allowing GMFRS to interact with the sprinkler system allowing the supply to be immediately isolated by GMFRS.
This Clearly highlighted the importance of business continuity for Stockport Homes and Stockport Council.
Stockport Homes and Stockport Council have worked closely with Greater Manchester Fire Service, clearly identifying the benefits of sprinklers. Completing the retrofit programme in under 3 years. Providing a further layer of fire safety to as part of a holistic approach to make Stockports tower blocks as safe as they can.
This incident clearly demonstrates that sprinklers save lives of residents and firefighters with no injuries reported.
Chargers, batteries and fire safety.
Did you know that London Fire Brigade attend on average 24 fires each week that have been started by chargers, batteries and cables? Further information on how to buy and use items with lithium batteries safely can be found by clicking here
Retrofitting
Further information on retrofitting/residential sprinklers can be found in theBAFSA Information File BIF 10
Business Continuity, Information for the FRS
The National Fire Chiefs Council have published a new code of practice for the the provision of Premises Information Boxes in residential buildings to ensure that information is available to the FRS in a consistent format to assist with the emergency response. A key consideration where fixed fire safety systems are installed.
Click here to open

Erith Ocado Customer Fulfilment Centre Fire Suppressed by Sprinkler Activation
2021-07-16 00:42 - 02:00 | Erith, Church Manorway, London, United Kingdom
On the 16 July 2021, The commercial sprinkler system (FM Global Early Suppression Fast Response) activated at Ocado’s three-storey customer fulfilment centre (CFC) assisting operational crews from the LFB to suppress, extinguish a deep seated warehouse fire. The London Fire Brigade were called at 12:42, mobilising 15 fire appliances dispatched from neighbouring stations including Bexley, Millwall, Lee Green and Greenwich.
The cause of the fire according to the statement released by Ocado appears to have been caused by the collision of three bots on the grid, no one was injured and the damage was limited to 1 per cent of its grid.
This incident clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of properly controlling a fire using sprinklers as part of a holistic approach containing fire spread. Sprinklers not only protect lives, they protect property, businesses and jobs. Sprinklers have been shown to contain and extinguish fires in 99% of cases.
When you compare the above mentioned incident to the article by Tom Roche, secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance highlighting two buildings destroyed by fire. the benefits of sprinklers are clear for everyone to see
What are the fire safety building regulations for the requirement of sprinklers in industrial and commercial buildings
Approved Document “B” provides building design guidance to satisfy the requirements of the Fire Safety Building Regulations. The guidance for sprinklers to be installed in industrial and commercial buildings, is that:

Sprinklers be used in single storey warehouses larger than 20,000m2
Sprinklers are not required for industrial buildings.

Southampton flat bedroom fire suppressed by sprinkler actuation
2021-07-12 15:30 - 17:30
Retrofitting projects completed across the country installed by housing providers are clearly evident following the actuation of a sidewall sprinkler-head that actuated suppressing a fire, preventing flashover. This allowed a breathing apparatus team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service to enter the flat and suppress the fire. All the occupants of the flat evacuated the property safely
It should be noted however the effectiveness of sprinklers was clearly demonstrated despite the fact that the operational efficiency of the residential sprinkler system was compromised due to a house hold item placed in front of the sprinkler head obstructing the discharge of water.

Southampton council has been working closely with Hampshire & Isle of wight Fire and Rescue Service on a timetable for installing sprinkler systems in 19 tower blocks to make them even safer from fire. Work has now been completed on a number of the residential blocks including Shirley Towers, Sturminster House, Albion Towers, Canberra Towers, Redbridge Towers and Millbrook Towers.
This is the third sprinkler save in Southampton since the start of the year the previous incidents being
12 April 2021:-Hightown, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hamble and Eastleigh crews were called to an oven fire on the 6 floor of Copenhagen Tower in Southampton.
20 April 2021:-Firefighters from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Hightown and Beaulieu were called to Millbrook Towers in Millbrook, Southampton
Further information on retrofitting can be found in the resources section

Coventry Student Accommodation Fire
2021-07-12 00:00
There’s no getting away from the fact that the student lifestyle contributes to the level of fire risk, it is therefore pleasing to report that following a fire in a kitchen, (cooking pan left unattended) the residential sprinkler system activated. On arrival of the West Midlands Fire Service. it was identified that a sprinkler head had operated extinguishing the fire no injuries were reported.
On 26 May 2020 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published amendments to the guidance in Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1 following their consultation on sprinklers and other fire safety measures in new high rise residential block of flats which was launched in September 2019.
The changes are Sprinkler systems in accordance with BS 9251 (or BS EN 12845 for residential blocks of flats outside of the scope of BS 9251) should be fitted throughout blocks of flats with a top storey more than 11m above ground level. It is disappointing this only applied only to purpose group 1a (Residential (block of flats).
Within the current guidance there is no requirement for residential (other) buildings such as student accommodation to be sprinklered regardless of the height. Further information can be found in the BAFSA Information file, BIFF 23.Fire sprinkler systems in student accommodation, click here to open

City of London Sprinkler Save
2021-07-10 21:59 | City of London
FRS; London Fire Brigade (LFB)
Location; City of London
Date of Incident; 10 July 2021
Time of Call; 20:59
Occupancy; Commercial
Location of fire; Kitchen
Sprinkler system actuation

LFB have reported the above-mentioned incident, resulting in the mobilization of four fire appliances to a fire within a shop with a restaurant above on New London Street.
Fire damage was contained to part of the ground floor only due to the activation of the premises sprinkler system. 2 sidewall sprinkler heads operated restricting fire damage to 20% of the ground floor only. The water supply for the sprinkler system was from the town main.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The fire was discovered by a member of the public who saw smoke coming from a door on the ground floor. There were no working smoke alarms inside the property. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault in an extractor fan.
Links

BAFSA; Further information, FAQ’s industrial & Commercial sprinkler systems can be found in the information file 6b
LFB, press release

Sheffield hospital healthcare laundry room fire
2021-07-07 14:00 - 15:30
The effectiveness of sprinklers were clearly demonstrated following a fire caused by an industrial gas powered ironing machine which suppressed and extinguished the fire before the arrival of South Yorkshire Fire Service, no further action was required.The outcome of could have been so different if sprinklers had not been installed. During 2008/2009 five significant fires took place involving healthcare premises in London which resulted in partial or full evacuation.
Following these incidents NHS London published the report “Review of five London hospital fires and their management” which illustrated the critical importance of being prepared for emergencies. None of the five sites had AFSS installed at the time of the incidents,
Disappointingly an opportunity was lost as the report made no reference to the benefits/impact that the installation of AFSS may have brought to these incidents.
The impact of fire on UK hospitals and healthcare premises is significant. Data sourced by NHS Digital confirms there were 1701 fires in all trusts in 2015/16 and 1462 fires in 2016/17. Mental Health Trusts accounted for 1138 or 67% of fires in 2015/16 and 895 or 61% fires in 2016/2017. Over these two years, 88 people were injured in NHS Trust fires, with 64 of these people being injured in fires related to Mental Health Trusts. There were four deaths in trust fires, three accounted for by Mental Health Trusts. Further guidance on sprinklers in healthcare premises can be found in the Welsh Health Estates Guidance Note:Sprinkler systems in healthcare premises

Stockport Bin Room Sprinkler Save
2021-07-07 | stockport
Attendance of Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service (GMFRS
Date of incident ;7 July 2021
Time of call; 00:23
Location of incident; Stockport
Occupancy; High rise residential block, 15 Storeys
Location of fire; Bin Room
Sprinkler system: Wet Pipe, mains fed

GMFRS have reported the above-mentioned incident involving a fire in a bin room which successfully contained by the activation of 1 sprinkler head. Two fire appliances attended the incident turning over and extinguishing the fire with 1x hose reel jet.
Dangers of bin store fires
It should be noted that the outcome of a communal bin store fire can have a dramatic effect on the safety of the residents, specifically where refuse chutes and access hatches can sometimes be found directly opening onto protected corridors, lobbies, and stairs, so providing the potential for the spread of fire and smoke to the common escape routes.
It is therefore best practice in these situations: –

Bespoke sprinkler system, Further protection can be provided by the installation of a sprinkler system located over the bins, with either frangible bulb or fusible link sprinkler heads, or open sprinkler heads with water discharge controlled by smoke detectors. The provision of sprinklers should always be considered where access hatches open into protected stairways or lobbies containing more than two flat entrance doors.
Automatic fire-resisting shutter should be fitted at the base of the refuse chute to restrict the spread of fire and smoke from a fire in the bin room. The shutter should, as a minimum, be operated on a fixed temperature fusible link.

Housing providers across the country are recognising the danger of these type of fires, London Borough Barking & Dagenham for example, reduced the risk by the retrofitting of sprinklers into all their high-rise residential block bin stores, 22 in total. Following match funding received from the London Fire Brigade (£84,250) to help fund this initiative.
Links

British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association

Further information on sprinkler news, updates can be found in the sprinkler FOCUS, the biannual magazine of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. It is the only UK publication which has automatic fire sprinklers at its core with current news, features and opinions along with case studies and product updates.
The November 21 edition is now available to download

GMFRS

Edinburgh Flat Fire
2021-07-01 08:00 - 17:00
The benefits of sprinklers clearly demonstrated following the fire involving a top floor flat in Edinburgh resulting in 5 heads activating.

Further details to follow shortly

Salford high rise refuse store sprinkler save
2021-06-19 19:14 - 20:30 | Salford
Fire Rescue Service; Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS)
Date of Incident; 19 June 2021
Time of call; 19:14
Location; Salford
Occupancy; Residential 10 or more storeys
Fire in Refuse Store
3x Pumping appliances

GMFRS have reported a fire in a high rise residential block involving a large refuse plastic industrial bin located on the ground floor of the refuse store, two sprinkler heads operated suppressing the fire before the arrival of operational crews. Due to the prompt activation of the sprinkler system the fire was contained to the compartment/room of origin.
GMFRS, fire data collated for the period of April 2018-April 2021

3 previous sprinkler saves, involving refuse stores
Occupancy; Residential 10 or more storeys
Activating, 5 sprinkler heads

The benefits of sprinklers for refuse store fires have been clearly identified by Dagenham & Barking Local Authority. Following an investment of £465,00 which included £85,000 from London Fire Brigade the decision was taken for the installation of sprinklers in all their specialized housing schemes, high rise block refuse stores containing bin chutes. The outcome of which will provide a further layer of safety from fire where their tenants are most at risk from fire.
Links

BAFSA; Have you ever wondered how a sprinkler works
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, how to prevent a wheelie bin fire
GMFRS

Cleveland, residential sprinkler project pays dividends extinguishing a high rise residential building kitchen fire
2021-06-13 16:18 - 17:51 | Stockton
In July 2017, a review of fire safety of high rise residential buildings was completed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Place Select Committee, where it was agreed that Sprinklers and misting systems are installed in all high rise residential buildings across Stockton-on-Tees.
The benefits of this decision has been clearly demonstrated following the fire at a high rise residential building of 17 floors, Hume House, Fredrick Street, Stockton.
On the 13th June at 16:18 hours, Cleveland Fire & Rescue were mobilised to a high rise residential kitchen fire on the 7th floor. On arrival it was established that the fire was all out with 1 sidewall sprinkler head operating, minimising and containing the fire damage to 10m².
The premises had been retrofitted with a sprinkler system, coverage provided within both the common areas, individual flats and refuge chute rooms, alongside a misting system within the ground floor refuge area.
It was established no delay took place in calling the fire and rescue service as the sprinkler system transmitted a sprinkler fire alarm signal to a remote monitoring station initiating the appropriate emergency procedures.
This incident clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of sprinklers, as part of a holistic approach to fire safety.

Flint, Specialised Housing, High Rise Fire
2021-06-03 17:42 | Flint, Richard Heights
Flint, Specialised Housing, High Rise Sprinkler Save
At 17:42 on Thursday 3 June 2021, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended a kitchen flat fire involving a chip pan which had been accidentally left unattended.
Crews identified that a sidewall sprinkler head had operated in in a flat where the fire originated, subsequently extinguishing the fire before firefighters arrived. The benefit of the sprinkler system was clear to see as the kitchen sustained minor smoke damage.
Lee Williams, Deputy Head of Business Fire Safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This incident clearly highlights the importance of sprinklers in helping to avoid the spread of fire.
“The fast activation of the sprinkler system helped to protect the occupier of the flat from serious harm, as well as avoiding severe damage to his flat and major disruption to the remainder of the building and its occupants which may have resulted had the fire spread.
“It’s also a warning to everyone how leaving a chip pan unattended for even a short time can have potentially disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite.
“People assume that cooking chips in a pan of hot oil is a thing of the past, but we have had three such incidents within the last week alone.
“We’d recommend oven chips, using a deep fryer with a thermostat, or having a takeaway as a safer option, but if people do choose to fry then please ensure you stand by your pan – don’t be tempted to leave it unattended.”
In 2016 working closely with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Flintshire County Council took the bold decision to review their fire safety arrangements to protect their most vulnerable residents by installing sprinklers to all three of their specialised housing high-rise blocks.
Bolingbroke Heights, Richard Heights and Castle Heights, sprinkler coverage was provided throughout including the flats and common ways installed to BS9251:2014
The benefits of this decision were clearly demonstrated as this was the second sprinkler save since the sprinkler retrofitting project was completed in 2016.
At 17:49 hours on Friday 24 January 2020, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a report of a fire at Bolingbroke Heights, appliances from Flint, Deeside and Holywell were mobilised to the incident.
Firefighters rescued a man in his 70s from a heavily smoke logged flat within the building. He received a precautionary check for smoke inhalation at the scene.
The fire was extinguished quickly by the sprinkler system with damage confined to a cooker within the flat.
These two incidents clearly identify the benefits of retrofitting high rise residential blocks with Sprinklers.
Credit, photograph NWFRS
