The fire, which happened just before Christmas, was recently highlighted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) to demonstrate the benefits of investing in sprinklers.
TWFRS said that a propane gas-powered forklift truck caught fire next to some wooden pallets, causing a large-scale fire in a large commercial warehouse. Firefighters from Gateshead and Swalwell Community Fire Stations were on the scene in a matter of minutes to assess the situation and extinguish the fire but found that the sprinkler system had already suppressed the fire.
Life-saving equipment on premises
One of TWFRS’s senior officers praised the life-saving equipment for being installed on the premises. Group Manager Ian Bell, Head of Fire Safety, said: “Without the sprinkler system, there would have been significant damage to the business, the contents of the warehouse, and a potential risk of injury to staff and firefighters. The propane cylinder for the forklift could have easily exploded if it had become involved in the fire, causing significant damage to the building and would have accelerated the fire allowing it to spread rapidly."
He adds, “Sprinklers play a major role in fire safety in large commercial premises like this, they reduce the likelihood of injuries to staff and the amount of damage to properties. This company had taken the steps to have the system installed and maintained, as it prevented a major fire that could have put lives at risk including the potential impact this could have had on neighboring premises.”
TWFRS recommends that automatic sprinkler systems are fitted where appropriate, in both business premises and homes.