New data from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has revealed that, of the 57 fires in schools they attended this year, not a single one had an automatic fire suppression system (AFSS) fitted.

The shocking new figures have been released by the Brigade amid fears that their recommendations are being ignored despite the importance. 

Charlie Pugsley, deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety, said, “It is shocking that we have been campaigning for a number of years to make sprinklers mandatory in new schools and retrofitted during major refurbishments and yet, this year, every school fire we have been called to has had no sprinklers fitted.

“Sprinklers are the only fire safety system that detects a fire, suppresses a fire and can raise the alarm."

The data also shows that, of all school fires attended by LFB since 2014, only 13 have had fitted sprinklers. 

"Sprinklers save lives and protect property. Millions of pounds are wasted every year repairing fire damage in London’s schools when sprinklers could have prevented the spread of fire," he said.

“This is not just about saving money; when a school is closed it disrupts a child’s education, impacts on the local community and affects parents by closing breakfast and after school clubs."

LFB are asking for people to contact their local MPs to take action on sprinkler fitting. 

Original Source
London Fire Brigade