Wednesday 20 December 2006 - 17.00hrs
Avon Fire & Rescue Service has today praised the value of
sprinkler systems after once again they proved their effectiveness
in saving lives and protecting property.
Today at 8.42am the service was called to a severe fire in a
basement car park of an elderly persons rest home complex on
Cromwell Street in Bedminster, Bristol. As the fire developed it is
extremely likely that it would have spread to the residential
storeys above, had it not been for a sprinkler system.
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Kevin Pearson said: "I am
absolutely convinced that had it not been for the sprinkler system
and fire safety measures in the building, alongside the prompt
arrival of firefighters on the scene, we would have seen scores of
lives lost this morning.
"Sprinklers in the rooms of the first floor activated
immediately as the intense heat rose into them from the car park
below. The sprinklers therefore helped contain the fire, while our
firefighters went into the building to carry out a systematic
search and rescue of the residents."
More than 60 people were in the building at the time of the
fire. As firefighters arrived on the scene wearing breathing
apparatus, they rushed to rescue those still inside, using plans of
the building to pinpoint how to get to each of the residents.
Contractors who were working on the roof of the complex and on a
new building next door, alongside local people, assisted with the
evacuation, helping residents from the door as firefighters brought
them out. Senior Fire Officers have praised these actions.
"The help of these people allowed our firefighters to get back
into the building quickly and continue assisting residents outside.
Their help was vital in the swift evacuation of the residents. They
should be extremely proud of their actions this morning," said Mr
Pearson.
The building, which has only been open for two months, had
sprinklers fitted throughout the residential areas. AF&RS
worked alongside approved inspectors (building control officers)
and architects from the building’s conception, helping ensure
robust fire safety measures, which included the installation of the
sprinkler system.