Posted: Tuesday 24 May 2022, 13:16
At 09.38 hours on Sunday 22 May, Firefighters from Glossop and Chapel-en-le-Frith attended a fire at Glossopdale School and Sixth Form, Glossop.
A small fire that had broken out in a room at the rear of the building was contained and prevented from spreading thanks to the presence and activation of a sprinkler system.
A fire investigation into the cause of the fire has determined it was accidental.
Two people with minor burns were taken to hospital as a result of the fire.
Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson, who is also the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Protection and Business Safety Scrutiny Committee said: “Nationally through the Fire Chiefs Council and locally across Derby and Derbyshire we have been campaigning for a change in legislation that would ensure all new schools and those undergoing refurbishment in England are fitted with sprinklers.
“Sprinklers not only extinguish or contain a fire until the arrival of fire crews, but they prevent the devastating impact on young people’s education, the community and the high costs of rebuilding as a result of fire.”
According to Zurich Insurance, the average fire risk for schools is almost double that of other non-residential buildings.
In Scotland and Wales there is a legal requirement to fit sprinklers in new build schools.
In November 2020 following three significant accidental and deliberate school fires, Derby City and Derbyshire County Council both signed a ‘Statement of Intent’ to fit sprinklers and the right fire safety measures in new build schools and primary and secondary schools undergoing significant renovation, refurbishment, or extension.