sprinklerResidents in a 14 floor tower block in Kent will benefit from life saving fire sprinklers as part of a new initiative to improve safety.

Kent Fire & Rescue and Gravesham Borough Council have teamed up to provide the sprinkler systems in a block of flats in Northfleet. All 52 flats at the 14 storey Carl Ekham House will now have a small and discrete device fitted.

Kent Fire and Rescue’s Assistant Director Operations, Sean Bone-Knell, said: “Fire sprinklers are incredibly effective in saving lives and protecting property. They not only warn of fire but also act immediately to contain it – even if no one is present.“

The sprinklers operate when a certain level of heat is recorded on the ceiling, water will then emerge to try and put out the fire.

Further reading: "Sooner sprinklers are standard the better", says WMFS head of fire safety

Three empty flats in the tower block have already been fitted with the device and now the fire service and council will implement the device in the rest of the building.

Cllr Susan Howes, Lead Member for Housing at Gravesham Council said: “It’s one of the council’s top priorities to improve safety for our residents and to help create safer buildings for the people of Gravesham.”

Residents at the tower block were invited to a public consultation to air their views and for any concerns to be answered.

Resident, Mrs Stella Pennell said: “I’m pleased that we’ll be safer in our homes. It’s a very neat job, much better than I expected.”

The move is one of a number of safety improvements launched nationwide following National Fire Sprinkler Week [3-9 Feb].

For full Sprinkler Week coverage visit www.cfoa.org.uk/firesprinklerweek2014