What is the risk of a fire in a school?
In 2004, there were over 1,300 fires in schools, of which around half caused substantial devastation and destruction. Over 50% of these fires were started deliberately, and there is a worrying trend for arson attacks to take place during term time when pupils are in class. 1 in 15 schools is likely to suffer a fire.

If sprinklers can make a difference, why isn’t it compulsory for them to be fitted in schools?
There are many ‘myths’ about fire sprinklers: they are expensive to install, they can only be fitted to new buildings, water damage is more costly than fire damage, they are unreliable, and so on. These are untrue.

So how much does it cost to install a sprinkler system?
For a new build, installation of a sprinkler system can be as low as just 2 to 3% of the total build cost. A comparison often made is that a sprinkler system costs less than a good quality carpet. And they are a better investment – they will last up to 30 years requiring little maintenance, repair or replacement. Costs of installation would also be offset by reduced insurance premiums.

Just how reliable are sprinklers?
Most sprinkler systems are very simple: they have no moving parts, and the pipes are filled with water, usually from the mains and in a fire will burst open over the fire when they get hot. They will work as long as they have water in the pipes. Only sprinklers over the fire will open and accidental discharge of water is almost unheard of.

Isn’t water damage costly?
Reports of water damage from fires in buildings with sprinklers are often exaggerated. Firemen often use 10 times more water from hoses to do the same job as a sprinkler.

If there is a fire the water from one or two sprinklers is a small price to pay for saving a complete building, its contents or even a life.

Can sprinklers help prevent smoke damage?
Smoke damage is a major cause of loss in fires. Sprinklers wash the larger particles out of smoke reducing its density and toxicity. In addition the water cools the smoke making it less harmful.

Quick response sprinklers are now available that will attack a fire even earlier in its growth. Fast attack dramatically reduces the amount of smoke that a fire can produce.

Can sprinklers save lives?
The total number of deaths world-wide in sprinklered buildings is only 50 compared to thousands in unprotected buildings. This is a record no other fire system can match.

Can’t sprinklers be easily vandalised?
Sprinklers can be easily concealed by recessing and covering. They are unobtrusive and almost invisible. This makes them ideal if vandalism is likely to be a problem.

How can I get involved?
See our ‘What you can do’ page of this website click here.