London Tall Building Residential Sprinkler Activation
2023-02-01 11:26 - 12:26 (Europe/London) | thamesmead
Fire Rescue Service; London Fire Brigade (LFB)
Incident; Fire
When; 1 February 2023
Time of call; 11;26
Where, Thamesmead
Occupancy; Residential block of apartments (10 or more stories)
Automatic fire suppression system; Residential sprinkler system

LFB have reported the above-mentioned incident resulting in the activation of the premises residential sprinkler system.
The premises, Residential block of apartments of 12 stories, incorporating a range of 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with a podium garden onsite concierge.
Incident

On arrival crews identified that the fire was within the hallway of a second-floor apartment
Two concealed sprinkler heads actuated extinguishing the fire.
5% of the apartment was damaged by fire, with no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental involving incense oil burner
Firefighting actions, breathing apparatus crews committed with one jet, water supply via wet riser.

This incident demonstrates once again the benefits of installing sprinklers within residential tall buildings for firefighter safety.

Rapidly reducing the rate of production of heat and smoke allowing the fire officer crucial time to implement the operational tactical plan.
Allowing firefighters to complete search and rescue operations by limiting fire development, which significantly reduces the risk of flashover.
Integrity of the means of escape, maintained.
Fire contained within the compartment of origin.
This incident demonstrates that a correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect, raise the alarm and control or in this case extinguish a fire at an early stage of development and activate an alarm.

Protecting firefighters
Protecting, reducing risk to life
Protecting property

Further guidance

BAFSA, Sprinkler Saves Annual Review
LFB AFSS

Thamesmead Recyling Centre Fire
2022-10-26 14:09 - 16:32
Fire Rescue Service; London Fire Brigade (LFB)
Incident; Fire involving Internal Industrial Shredder
When; 26 October 2022
Time of incident: 14:09
Time of stop: 16:32
Where, Thamesmead, Nathan Way
Use of premises; Recycling Centre
Fixed installation; Automatic fire suppression system (AFSS)

LFB have reported the above-mentioned incident involving an industrial shredder.
The Incident

Four pumping appliances were mobilised requiring 20 firefighters
On arrival crews identified that the fire involved the premises industrial shredder
The sprinkler system activated containing/controlling the fire

Outcome

Minimal disruption to business
Reducing damages, costs to business and the economy as a whole

Key message; As part of a holistic approach Automatic Fire Suppression Systems have been proven to be one of the most effective active fire protection measures containing/controlling these types of fires preventing large costly fires developin
National Fire Chiefs Council/Environment Agency

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.

Since the launch of the sprinkler saves website 7 previous incidents have been reported

Fareham Solid recovered fuel facility
Bristol Recycling Centre Centre
Shropshire Recycling Centre
London Recycling Centre
Enfield Recycling facility
Rufforth Recycling facility
Manchester Waste Site/recycling facility

Links

BAFSA, Sprinkler Saves Annual Review 2021/2022
British Automatic Fire Sprinkle Association, Information file, Fire Suppression Systems for the Waste Management Industry
