City pushes for greater fire safety in new buildings

Brighton and Hove City Council will urge the city's three MPs, David Lepper, Des Turner and Celia Barlow, to press the Government to ensure that the installation of residential sprinkler systems is included in national building regulations.

This would force proposed developments, such as at Brighton train station and the King Alfred site on Hove seafront, to install sprinklers in their residential areas.

About 600 people are killed and more than 17,000 injured by fire every year in the UK, with more than three in four of these deaths and injuries occuring in the home.

Research from other countries has shown that fire sprinklers will virtually eliminate fire deaths and reduce injuries and property damage by at least 80 per cent.

Brighton and Hove councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposals, following recommendations from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Len Richards, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We welcome the support from the city council and strongly recommend that all new residential properties in Brighton and Hove are fitted with sprinkler systems.

"For many years we have promoted installing smoke detectors as these are vital in raising the alarm when a fire occurs but sprinklers are genuinely life saving. They have shown their value in protecting lives and property in commercial buildings but homeowners have the right to this protection too.

"There are many new building developments in the city. Any of these with residential buildings should be installing sprinkler systems and helping us to save lives."

Sprinklers are activated by heat not smoke.

When the heat of a fire raises the sprinkler to about 680C, water is released on to the fire.

City councillor Warren Morgan said: "Fitting sprinkler systems will significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries or fatalities being caused in a house fire and will therefore have a positive impact on local communities and the environment."