Fire Chiefs Back Plans to Invest in Fire Sprinklers
Senior Fire Department figures across Cheshire have launched a major campaign – one that affects both tenants and homeowners of large high-rise block of flats. The Cheshire Fire Authority has proposed the necessity of installing sprinkler systems in every single high-rise block of flats in the county. Indeed, the Cheshire Fire Authority has agreed to earmark £160,000 to the fire sprinklers project. Working with local housing associations they plan to retro fit fire sprinkler systems into a block of flats in each of the four separate local council areas of the council.
A report compiled for the Cheshire Fire Authority detailed that a recent retro-fitting of fire of a high rise tower block in South Yorkshire was completed allowing residents to live with the peace of mind that they’re homes are protected against the threat of fire. All work was completed at a cost of £55,000, or £1150 per flat. The encouraging fact that each flat could be effectively protected against the potentially devastating effects of fire was further evidence that any work undertaken would prove to be necessary.
Fire Authority Chair Cllr John Joyce commented, ‘sprinkler systems are proven to save lives and property as well as improving fire fighter safety, reducing the amount of damage and limiting the impact on the environment.’ A strong admission in favour of installing fire sprinklers.
He elaborated further by saying, ‘we have been urging landlords and businesses to install (sprinklers) for some time but we now are launching a real drive to ensure that action is taken – including providing some part funding to get them put into tower blocks across Cheshire.’
Having already earmarked £160,000 pounds for the project it was thought that this amount would be sufficient to fund 50% of the total cost of installing sprinklers throughout at least four high rise tower blocks, housing at least sixty flats. Initial talks with private landlords saw them willing to fund the monetary difference and ensure that all the tower blocks are sufficiently protected.
The project isn’t a small undertaking, however with the collective efforts of fire departments, housing associations and landlords the goal of having safe and protected flats is achievable.
For more information on fire sprinklers, read our previous blog. Follow us on Facebook for more updates.
