Sprinkler retrofit proves life-saving in Doncaster fire incident

A recently retrofitted sprinkler system in a high-rise block of flats in Doncaster has been credited with extinguishing a kitchen fire before it could cause serious damage or injury - highlighting the life-saving benefits of such systems, particularly in tall buildings.

Roger Brason, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s (SYFR) sprinkler advocate, praised the widespread installation of sprinklers in Doncaster’s residential towers. “We’ve championed the use of sprinklers, particularly in high-rise buildings, for quite some time, so we’re delighted that all of the blocks in Doncaster now have them,” said Brason.

“These devices not only help protect life but protect property too. In most cases, they will extinguish a fire completely and prevent it from spreading. The fact that people living in high-rise buildings across Doncaster now have such a high level of fire protection really is excellent news.”

His comments come following an incident where a chip pan fire broke out in one of the retrofitted blocks managed by St Leger Homes. The fire, which started in the kitchen, generated enough heat to activate a single sidewall sprinkler head. The system not only contained and extinguished the fire before the fire service arrived but also automatically raised the alarm via a remote receiving centre, enabling a rapid emergency response.

Firefighters who arrived at the scene assisted one person from the property. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and only minor fire damage was sustained to the kitchen cupboards and worktop.

Currently, there is no statutory requirement in the UK to retrofit sprinklers in purpose-built blocks of flats. However, this incident serves as a powerful example of their effectiveness. According to SYFR, the performance of the sprinkler system demonstrates how a properly designed and installed setup can detect fires early, alert emergency services, and either control or, in this case, extinguish the fire before it grows.