Essex Fire Chief Ensures Basildon Housing Estates To Get Sprinklers

Essex Fire Chief pledges £70,000 to the local council to ensure most vulnerable benefit from sprinklers as part of match funding approach to dealing with fire risk across the county.

sprinklers

Seven housing estates in the Felmores area of Basildon will be retrofitted with sprinklers. Previously, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service provided £50,000 to Basildon Council to fit sprinklers in a high-rise residential block.

This announcement coincides with the NFCC’s National Sprinkler Week which runs from 17 to 23 May.

reliable and cost-effective

Area Manager - Jim Palmer from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said, “It’s fantastic that Basildon Council are taking on this large project to fit sprinklers in every home in seven of their housing estates, and we’re pleased that with our help their residents will have the best fire protection equipment available." 

Jim Palmer adds, “Sprinklers are a reliable and cost-effective way of stopping fires from growing and spreading. In most cases, they actually put them out completely.” 

£70,000 funding

I would like to thank them for this contribution which will help improve fire safety on the estate"

Director of Housing and Property at Basildon Council, Lesley O’Shea, said “We are delighted to have received £70,000 funding from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for our sprinkler project on the Felmores estate."

Lesley O’Shea adds, "I would like to thank them for this contribution which will help improve fire safety on the estate.” 

retrofitting sprinklers

Since 2013, the fire service has part-funded and supported the retrofitting of sprinklers in a number of high-risk premises in Essex, including hostels in Southend. 

The £250,00 fund is being used to make sure that the homes where the most vulnerable people live are protected by sprinkler systems and are available to local authorities, housing associations, and charities.