Research published by the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN), undertaken by Optical Economics, shows that school fires in England remain a frequent and costly issue, prompting renewed calls for sprinkler systems to be mandated in all new and refurbished school buildings.

The report, What is the Cost of Fires in Schools?, identifies that six to seven school fires occur each week. Over a 30-year period, a secondary school has a 70% likelihood of experiencing a fire. The average cost per incident is approximately £282,200, contributing to total annual losses of £126 million excluding wider social and educational impacts.

Government data indicates that each lost day of education reduces a child’s lifetime earnings by around £750. The research concludes that preventing a single day of closure in a secondary school can justify the cost of installing sprinklers. The evidence also shows that more than 97% of school fires occur in buildings without sprinklers, while systems that activate are 98% effective in controlling or extinguishing fires.

The findings reinforce the case for sprinkler systems as a proven and cost-effective measure to protect education settings and reduce disruption to pupils and communities.

Preventing devastation
Terry McDermott QFSM MA, secretary of the NFSN, explained: “Every week, schools are impacted by fire and every closure harms children’s learning in addition to community stability. Sprinklers work. They’re cost effective and prevent devastation. Protecting school buildings and the pupils and teachers within them isn’t an option. It’s essential.”

On the back of the research report, the NFSN is urging central Government and education authorities to strengthen regulations and ensure that sprinklers are included as standard in all new and refurbished school buildings.

Further information is available online at www.nfsn.uk

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