East Midlands MEP backs ‘Think Sprinkler’ campaign

Local Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has this week backed Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Think Sprinkler’ campaign, which aims to save lives and reduce serious injury caused by domestic fires.

Sprinkler systems have been used in shops, factories and offices for over 130 years, and there is now growing awareness of their potential effectiveness in homes, where the majority of deaths from fire happen.

Smoke detectors will warn occupants that there is a fire, but a sprinkler system will extinguish it, protecting people and preventing further fire damage. Sprinklers virtually eliminate fire deaths; reduce injuries by at least 80%, and reduce property damage by 90%.

It is a myth that water from the sprinkler causes more damage than the fire. Sprinklers attack the fire quickly and directly, using between 1/25th and 1/100th of the water used by each fire service hose, so less water is needed. As they also operate the fire alarm, the flow can be quickly turned off when the fire is out.

Emma said:

“Every home should have a fire alarm fitted and regularly tested so that people are warned if a fire starts. I’m now joining the call for new-build properties to have sprinkler systems installed, and for local authorities to retro-fit them in properties where vulnerable people live, as I know from personal experience just how quickly a fire can start and spread.

“The fact is that no-one has ever died in a domestic property which has had a sprinkler system fitted. It’s almost like having a firefighter in every room of your house, and by fitting these systems many more lives can be saved.”