A regional sprinkler conference held last week has proved a success with over 80 delegates attending.

The conference, organised by Staffordshire and Cheshire fire and rescue services, addressed delegates about the need for increased use of sprinkler systems to reduce the number of fire deaths and injuries that occur every year and to prevent unnecessary damage to buildings and the environment from fire.

Councillors, housing associations, architects and universities were amongst the groups of people who attended the half day event held last week in Stoke-on-Trent.

Speakers at the event included Welsh Assembly Member, Ann Jones who was responsible for pushing through legislation in Wales which will see all new build domestic properties fitted with sprinklers from next year.

Chairman of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Len Bloomer, said: "The conference was thought provoking and the feedback we've had from delegates suggests that the increased use of sprinklers is something they will take back to their organisations and push for when it comes to future building projects.

"Certainly this event is set to be one of many in coming months and years as we campaign both locally and nationally for the increased use of sprinklers. Whilst people are still dying in fires, doing nothing is just not an option − enough is enough and the time to make a difference is now, it's no use thinking 25 years down the line that we wished we'd fitted sprinklers."

Keith Brooks, Head of Community Fire Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: "This was a great conference that highlighted a really important issue. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the national campaign to promote the installation of sprinkler systems to reduce the risk of death and injury from fires. 

"Domestic fires have a devastating effect on families; they develop quickly, destroying rooms within minutes. The service has a duty to protect its local community from fire and wanted, through this conference, to highlight the benefits afforded by sprinklers to the economy, the environment and to the lives of individuals." 

 

Posted July 11th, 2012 at 1215 by Andrew. Comment by emailing andrew.lynch@pavpub.com