Fire service advises school to fit sprinklers

Fire service advises school to fit sprinklers when renovating

From @Fireindustry

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21 Jun 2012

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has told schools to install sprinklers when they undertake refurbishment work, following the devastating fire at Betws Primary School, near Bridgend.
A whole block at the primary school was destroyed following a blaze that was started on Tuesday afternoon by an overheated fan, with students needing to be evacuated.
The school was built in the 1960s using steel frames, but no fire barriers were included in its construction, meaning that the flames were quick to spread.
SWFRS's Graeme Smith told the news provider that there is approximately one school fire a day across Britain, highlighting the need for sprinkler systems particularly in older buildings that might not be as well equipped to deal with an outbreak.
He said: "What we are suggesting is that for new school builds and for rebuilds and major refurbishments, the authorities consider the installation of sprinklers."
Although the junior block, which contained the school's ICT suite, was fully destroyed, firefighters were able to prevent the nursery, instants and Flying Start buildings from sustaining any damage.

Addendum from Fire Isk A & T Ltd:
The Welsh Assembly have legislated for all new dwellings to be fitted with a sprinkler system.