PLANS to increase the use of lifesaving sprinkler systems are being drawn up by Yorkshire’s fire and rescue services.
Last year the Government announced that all new schools, except some low-risk buildings, should have sprinklers installed.
Now West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside authorities have agreed to develop proposals to put them in other buildings as well.
Mick Coulson, of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “We have already done a lot of work to encourage the introduction of sprinklers in schools and it’s pleasing that new schools, with the exception of only a few, now have them installed as a matter of course.
“We fully support this national approach and feel that it is a step in the right direction towards reducing the devastating effects of fire.
“However, there are still many properties being built without sprinklers, including multi-occupancy residential properties, such as high-rise flats and care homes.
“Worryingly, many of these house people from particularly high-risk groups.
“It has been proven that if sprinklers are included in the design stage of these buildings, they are a financially viable way of reducing the risk of death, injury and massive financial loss.
“Sprinklers help to contain a fire, making it not only less lethal for anyone inside at the time, but also for firefighters tackling the blaze.”
