South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue attended a fire at Hatfield House, Balby Bridge just before midday on 26 April 2022 caused by hair straighteners setting fire to some bedding.
The occupant was able to evacuate safely and the fire was already out when firefighters arrived on the scene, thanks to sprinklers that had been fitted throughout the building.
value of fire sprinklers
Fire officers say the incident again highlights the value of fire sprinklers fitted in high-rise, residential buildings.
Area Manager - Cath Toovey, said, “Fire Sprinklers are a cost-effective way of making high-rise, residential dwellings safer, they stop fires from spreading, put them out quickly, save lives, and have a long working life span."
benefits of fire sprinklers
All high-rise tower blocks in Doncaster have been fitted with fire sprinklers by St Leger Homes
Cath Toovey adds, "We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built nationally as a fire and rescue service for our long-standing advocacy of the benefits of fire sprinklers. It’s pleasing to see that not only are housing providers understanding these benefits as well, but that they have done their job at an incident which might otherwise have been much more serious.”
All high-rise tower blocks in Doncaster have been fitted with fire sprinklers by St Leger Homes.
ease of installation
The housing provider’s investment followed a joint, fire service-funded project at Silverwood House in Doncaster which further highlighted the ease and benefits of retrofitting sprinklers in high-rise buildings.
The installation was awarded £209,000 by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority’s Stronger Safer Communities Reserve, which used money set aside from the Authority’s reserves.