East Sussex firefighters call for compulsory sprinklers in new builds

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East Sussex Fire Authority (ESFA) is lobbying Westminster to make it a legal requirement to fit fire sprinklers systems in premises where “risk to life and loss of property from fire are most significant”.

The chair of the Fire Authority and East Sussex County Councillor Phil Howson, said the “greatest impact” of installing fire sprinklers was likely to occur in residential care homes and generally premises that house highly vulnerable residents and schools.

The ESFA claims sprinklers can significantly help reduce death and injury from fire as well as reduce the risk for firefighters.  It can also protect property and it’s heritage and reduce the effects of arson.

Councillors at Lewes District Council successfully petitioned a motion last week that saw a unanimous decision in favour of the authority agreeing to install fire sprinklers in all new-build council properties.

Lewis District Council is also considering the installation of domestic fire sprinkler systems in refurbished council-owned homes that are occupied by those with restricted mobility and will be promoting the installation of fire sprinklers generally – even if they have not been specified by building regulation or planning rules.

Lewes District Councillor Carolyn Lambert said: “I am delighted the council has agreed to support this important proposal.

“There have unfortunately been eight fatal fires in Lewes District in the last 10 years, and in the majority of these cases, domestic sprinkler systems could have made a difference to the tragic outcome.”

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