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Think Sprinkler

There is clear evidence that sprinklers can be effective in stopping fires spreading and putting them out.

Report Outlining Sprinkler Saves in 2021-22 from BAFSA

Report Outlining Sprinkler Saves in 2021-22 from BAFSA (pdf 1,707.52 KB)

Are Sprinklers Required?

The infographic below explains where sprinklers are required by law in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The pdf document of the same name contains all the information included in this image.

Where sprinklers are required in the UK (pdf 689.57 KB)

Reliability and effectiveness of sprinklers systems in school fires

DFRS has independently reviewed data from the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN) regarding the reliability and effectiveness of sprinklers in schools. The full findings are set out in the following pdf document.

The reliability and effectiveness of sprinklers in schools (pdf 506.77 KB)

Statement of Intent for fire protection measures in schools

Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) are jointly committed to protecting
schools in Derby and Derbyshire from the risk of fire

Statement of Intent - Fire Protection Measures in Schools (pdf 133.41 KB)

Who else are they good for?

Everybody. Though there are some organisations, groups and property types who could particularly benefit from sprinkler installation. These include:

  • Schools
  • Care homes or places where people with any mobility issues live
  • Heritage buildings
  • Hospitals
  • The homes of very vulnerable people
  • Specialist housing
  • Residential properties over 18m in height – including student accommodation
  • Hotels, B&Bs and hostels
  • Complex and deep sub surface structures such as basements
  • Large warehouses
  • Firefighters – when we need to enter burning buildings on search and rescue operations, sprinklers significantly reduce the risks to firefighters

Should I install a sprinkler system in my home?

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service plays a key leadership role in promoting a better understanding of the benefits of sprinklers as part of a core commitment to reduce the impact of fire on people, property and the environment in Derbyshire.

There is clear evidence that sprinklers can be effective in stopping fires spreading, significantly enhancing fire safety within the home and drastically reducing fatalities and serious injury as a result of fire.

Sprinklers have been successfully used for the protection of property such as factories, department stores and shopping centres for well over 130 years and there is now a growing appreciation of their potential to save lives in domestic properties where the majority of fire fatalities occur.

Domestic Sprinkler Campaign

"A Firefighter In Every Room Of Your Home"

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is working hard to raise the profile and benefits of domestic sprinklers for all new build properties and as a retrofit. Fires in the home still account for the greatest number of fire fatalities and injuries each year, having a devastating effect on families and friends, leaving communities in mourning. This can however be eradicated by installing domestic sprinklers in the home.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service aim to highlight the benefits of domestic sprinkler systems (including portable suppression systems) in new build properties and as a retrofit in properties where vulnerable persons at risk from fire reside. The Service has worked closely with key national and local partner organisations and local authorities within Derbyshire to achieve this aim.

Sprinklers can provide the ultimate protection to human life, property and the environment, virtually eliminating fire fatalities, reducing injuries by at least 80%, reducing property damage by 90% and substantially reducing damage to the environment from fire. Domestic sprinklers will not only warn of a fire but also act immediately to control it, even when no one is present.

Working with local councils

The Service works closely with Chesterfield Borough Council, Derby Homes, Rykneld Homes, South Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover and North East Derbyshire District Council, successfully fitting over 1200* new and retro fitted sprinkler units into properties of people who are most vulnerable to fire across Derbyshire.

* figures correct as of May 2020

10 years of Think Sprinkler

Useful links

Other sources of expertise: