Crews celebrate successful sprinkler installation at flats

Firefighters are celebrating after ensuring the successful installation of sprinklers at a retirement facility in Lichfield.

A total of 60 sprinklers have been installed at Andrews House, based on Lower Sandford Street in the city, after we worked with provider Midland Heart and installers Triangle Fire, to deliver the enhanced safety measure - just in time for National Sprinkler Week which runs from 15 to 21 May 2023.

We first pledged to carry out the installation in May 2021, after we had successfully installed sprinklers at another Midland Heart property in Lichfield; Charnwood House.

The work has been praised by local residents, including the chair of the residents’ committee, Gillian Parsons, who said: “We’re very grateful to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their financial contribution to the scheme, which was in the region of £90,000.

“Midland Heart then contributed around £180,000 to the project which also saw sprinklers fitted in some key communal areas, including the lounge.

“Though we hope we never have to put the sprinklers to the test, some of our residents do have mobility and other issues which mean they may find it difficult to leave their flats in the event of a fire.

“I’m sure the residents feel safer as individuals in their properties now and we’re thankful that the process of installing them was not intrusive and neatly done.

“We’re very happy with the outcome.”

The completion comes as part of our commitment to continue to install sprinklers wherever they are needed in partnership with housing providers across Staffordshire.

Mark Wetherill, who leads on the project for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of our prevent and protect team, said: “This has been a really positive and worthwhile project for us and the residents of the Andrews House.

“We hope that the sprinklers will never have to be used, but we know how important they may be in ensuring the safety of those who live in the building, if a fire should take place.

“This is just part of the work we are doing with Midland Heart to help warn and inform people of the potential dangers posed by domestic fires and we hope the residents now feel more confident and comfortable in their homes.”

Fire Safety Manager, Dave Hodgkins, of Midland Heart, added: “The safety that sprinklers provide for Midland Heart's residents cannot be underestimated and that is why we have worked with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to secure this valuable installation at Andrews House.

“Sprinklers allows our residents to remain safe in their homes as they grow older and become more vulnerable to possible fires.

“This installation provides the assurance that we effectively have a firefighter living with every one of our residents in their own homes.”

To find out more about preventing fires in the home, visit: Your Safety (staffordshirefire.gov.uk).