Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed the decision by Wiltshire Council to

install fire sprinklers in all new school buildings, including extensions.


At the Cabinet meeting this morning (26 January), members agreed the new policy,

which was prompted by a notice of motion that was unanimously agreed by full Council

in November.


That notice of motion, put forward by Cllrs Jeff Osborn and Helen Osborn, stated:

"This Council commends the decision to install fire sprinklers in the new secondary

school in Melksham. This has been warmly welcomed by the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire

Authority and cited in evidence on fire safety to a House of Commons select

committee. In light of this, it is most regrettable that a similar decision to

install fire sprinklers was not made in respect of the new Wellington Academy. This

Council, in the interests of fire, person and property safety, wishes to see fire

sprinklers installed in all new school buildings, including extensions built by and

for the Council."


Chris Hartrick, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer

(Service Delivery), said: "We are delighted with Wiltshire Council's support for

fitting sprinklers in new and refurbished schools. The effects from a school fire

can be devastating, with the loss of jobs, facilities and coursework, as well as the

impact on the local community. Fires in schools have been a growing problem

nationally over the past 10 years, costing the economy upwards of £90 million a

year. In particular, increased incidences of arson, particularly during the school

day, have been especially concerning."


He added: "We are very pleased that Wiltshire Council has decided to join a growing

number of local authorities, including Swindon Borough Council, which routinely fit

sprinklers in schools. There are a lot of misconceptions about sprinklers, such as

they cause too much water damage, can activate accidentally or are expensive to

install and maintain. This is simply not the case and they have a proven track

record of preventing deaths, injury and protecting property in a very cost effective

way."

28th January 2010