Essex F&RS reported a successful sprinkler activation at the Debenhams store in ’The Royals’ shopping centre at Southend on Sea on 25th April.
The fire started at just after 1345hrs among hanging garments in the ground floor clothing section of the 3-floor store.
Store staff initially tackled the fire with dry powder extinguishers and a hose reel but then 2 pendant heads on the store’s sprinkler system activated to prevent further spread. Four Essex F&RS crews were mobilised and the fire was out in about 10 minutes with about 4m² area of fire damage.
In excess of 100 occupants of the store all evacuated safely and the area was cordoned off, allowing the store to reopen for business on the same day.