Fire sprinklers
Sprinklers are widely recognised as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in the early stages, so we know how important it is that our council blocks have sprinklers installed.
In Southampton, we have:
- Installed 1,588 sprinklers into all 19 of our high-rise blocks
- Installed 670 sprinklers in 10 Supported Housing blocks
- A programme of installing sprinklers into all 1,358 flats in our five-storey blocks and 350 flats in our eight supported blocks over the next three years
Since the sprinklers have been installed we have had five flat fires in our high rise blocks, all of which have been suppressed by the sprinkler systems before the fire service arrived.
"The incredible impact of sprinklers was again demonstrated in the tackling of this fire. The system kept the fire itself under control and prevented it spreading while enabling our crews to tackle the fire quickly and safely. Having sprinklers installed is like having a firefighter in every room. No residents needed to be evacuated and the stay put policy worked exactly as it should." Rob Cole, Head of Operations at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, commenting on one incident at a tower block in Southampton
Questions about sprinkler systems
Why haven’t all tower blocks in Southampton been retrofitted with sprinkler systems? SHOW
Our flats/block were recently refurbished, but there were no sprinklers installed. Why not? SHOW
How many Southampton City Council tower blocks will be fitted with sprinkler systems? SHOW
What other fire safety work is Southampton City Council undertaking in the high rise blocks? SHOW
