10 Aug 2022

Fires remain the greatest threat facing those responsible for safeguarding the built heritage. While other risks such as theft, flood and even insect or fungal infestation can damage buildings and their contents, only fire can destroy them completely.

Each year, throughout the world, there are fires in all types of historic and heritage buildings – in 2019 alone there were 400 serious fires recorded in such properties.

A number of these fire outbreaks reach serious proportions, where measurable fire loss can soar to millions of pounds. The cost of the 2015 fire at Clandon Park in Surrey, United Kingdom (UK) has been estimated to be in the region of £ 50 million.

Sprinkler or water mist systems protect heritage buildings

A sprinkler or water mist system can protect nationally and internationally important structures

Where once the idea of installing sprinkler systems into mansions may have seemed absurd, it is now clear that a sprinkler or water mist system can protect nationally and internationally important structures and their contents.

The aim of the Heritage Fire Protection Conference 2022, hosted by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and the National Fire Sprinkler Network, is to illustrate how a sprinkler or water mist system can protect nationally and internationally important structures and their contents. It will consider all aspects of planning, compliance, aesthetics and installation of a sprinkler or water mist system.

Heritage Fire Protection Conference 2022

There will also be presentations from heritage fire safety specialists who have installed sprinklers to protect their properties and their valuable contents. At the heart of the event - Heritage Fire Protection Conference 2022 will be a live sprinkler demonstration, in order to show the benefits of sprinklers in protecting valuable museum artifacts and heritage properties.

This will be a unique event and one which should be in the diaries of all professionals, whose role encompasses the protection of heritage buildings, historic sites and cultural treasures, artworks and antiques.

Key event details:

  • The event: Heritage Fire Protection Conference 2022
  • Date: Wednesday, 16th November 2022
  • Venue: DERBYSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE, RIPLEY, DERBYSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
  • Hosted by: NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER NETWORK & DERBYSHIRE FRS
  • Supported by: BAFSA, NFCC, IFE, LONDON FIRE BRIGADE and English Heritage, Historic England and the National Trust