Residential Sprinkler Operation in Kent

A close escape for a Care Home in Kent

A Care Home in Kent had a lucky escape recently when a fire started in the room of a teenage resident. The fire started in the corner of the room where a computer table was positioned and, although the cause of the fire is being investigated, a plastic chair had completely melted.

The heat from the burning chair had activated the concealed sprinkler head which was approximately two meters away from the seat of the fire. The fire had been extinguished before the flames had even singed a curtain that was hanging above the table at a distance of approximately 0.4 meters.

The attending Fire and Rescue service had arrived after the fire had been extinguished and confirmed that the mains fed Residential Fire Sprinkler system that had been installed only six months previously by a company in Tunbridge Wells had undoubtedly prevented a very serious incident occurring.

The only damage in the bedroom was the melted chair and the soaked carpet while there was a small residual amount of water seeping through the light socket to the room below. The manager was advised to employ an electrician to check that the wiring had been undamaged and the care home was back in operation within hours of the incident.

When the installation company arrived to replace the sprinkler head and re-commission the system, the owner of the care home thanked them profusely saying that it had been the best £8000 investment they could have made.

"Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Authority has been campaigning for greater use of residential sprinkler systems, particularly to protect more vulnerable communities. It seems clear that in this case the system really made a difference and more than justified the cost of its installation."

Charlie Hendry
Chief Executive & Chief Fire Officer, Kent Fire & Rescue Service