BAFSA has applauded Cheshire Fire Authority’s recent investment of £36,000 in sprinklers to help protect a newly renovated block of flats in Warrington. To date, Cheshire Fire Authority has invested over £200,000 in retrofitting sprinklers in high-rise blocks across the county and this most recent project is the 18th building they have helped protect from fire.
The eight-storey Kingsway House on Kingsway South in Latchford was officially re-opened on Friday 8 March 2024 after an extensive £6.3 million refurbishment project managed by Torus Group. The installation of the sprinkler system in the building will protect the 53 homes, and the many people that will live there, from fire.
BAFSA’s chief executive, Ali Perry says: ” It’s fantastic to see such proactive work by Cheshire Fire Authority to complement the operational service they already provide to the community. This forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly save lifes.”
Steve McCormick, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, commented: “We’re encouraging decision makers to consider fitting sprinkler systems in all new builds, as well as retrospective fitting in older premises. We want to dispel the myth that they are hugely expensive – the cost of installation and the benefits they bring far outweigh the cost of destruction and potential loss of life and livelihoods caused by fire.”
Cllr Stef Nelson, chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, added: ” We have all seen the total devastation a fire in a tower block can cause and we are committed to working with our social housing partners to provide the best possible protection for residents.”
BAFSA lent its support to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s retrofitting of sprinklers at the Callow Mount high-rise block in 2011. A report was compiled on the project outlining that fact that retro-fitting sprinklers in not cost-prohibited or disruptive to residents