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Fire kills 60 per cent of businesses |
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A report by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) reveals that 60 per cent of businesses which suffer a fire cease to trade. The new guidance document, A guide to automatic water suppression systems (AWSS) and their practical application is aimed predominantly at fire safety officers and strategic managers within the Fire and Rescue Service, to promote the use of sprinklers and other water suppression systems. The latest official figures estimate that the total cost of fire to the country in 2004 was £7.03bn with the average cost of a domestic fire at £34,000 and for a commercial premises fire at £147,500. In private companies it is estimated that 60 per cent of businesses that suffer a fire never recover and eventually go out of business. CFOA President Phil Toase said: “CFOA is committed to saving life and protecting property through the application of sprinklers and other water suppression systems. CFOA are independently progressing and contributing to a number of initiatives which seek to promote the use of sprinklers in our communities. “The business case is compelling, water suppression systems save life, reduce injuries, protect any property and sustain businesses all at a competitive and potentially reduced cost.”
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