Fire chiefs are launching a major campaign to get sprinkler systems installed in high rise blocks of flats across Cheshire.
At last week’s meeting Cheshire Fire Authority agreed to earmark £160,000 to work with local housing associations on retro-fitting systems into at least one block of flats in each of the four local council areas.
Fire Authority Chair Cllr. John Joyce said: “Sprinkler systems are proven to save lives and property as well as improving firefighter safety, reducing the amount of damage and limiting the impact on the environment.
“We have been urging landlords and businesses to install these for some time but now we are launching a real drive to ensure action is taken – including providing some part-funding to get them put into tower blocks across Cheshire.”
In a report to Cheshire Fire Authority, fire officers said that a recent sprinkler retro-fit project in a high-rise tower block in South Yorkshire with 47 flats had been completed at a cost of £55,000 or £1150 per flat.
On that basis, allocating £160,000 would be enough to fund 50% of the costs of installing sprinklers in at least four high rise tower blocks with around 60 flats in each. Initial talks with some local landlords have already indicated that they would be prepared to meet the other half of the installation costs.
“Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has a national reputation for innovation and this programme is an exciting opportunity to kick start an investment in sprinkler systems which are now a cost effective way of dramatically improving people’s safety,” said Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock.
“I am delighted that Cheshire Fire Authority members have not only backed this project but also agreed to seek the formal backing of their councils for a campaign aimed at making the fitting of sprinklers mandatory under building regulations.”
