Date: 4th March, 2019
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed the commitment by the Borough of Poole to retro-fit fire sprinklers into four high rise tower blocks.
The four blocks in the old town – Drake Court, Grenville Court, Nelson Court and Rodney Court – are managed by Poole Housing Partnership and are set to have an extensive £20.25m refurbishment.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “Our Service fully supports the retrofitting of fire sprinklers into these four accommodation blocks in Poole, and we welcome the commitment from Councillors to make this vital investment. Fire sprinklers save lives, homes and businesses; they provide protection from fire damage and, most importantly, they give people a greater chance of getting out if there is a fire. By reducing the damage and severity of a fire, they also save money.”
He added: “Sprinklers also make conditions safer for our firefighters, as the fire will be controlled and often extinguished by the sprinkler system. As such, very often we can use minimal water to fully extinguish the fire.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is keen to work with other developers and building owners who are interested in fitting fire sprinkler systems, either as part of a new build or as a retrofit.
The Service has a new Business Support function, with officers who can educate, advise and inform building owners on the benefits of fire sprinklers. Further advice is also available on-line at www.dwfire.org.uk/sprinklers or email the team via [email protected]