Creating fire-safe educational settings

Fire risk for schools is reported to be almost double that of other non-residential buildings. Yet sprinkler systems are still not mandatory for all schools in England. Jonathan Dyson from the National Fire Chiefs Council, explains why this is a problem

We at the National Fire Chiefs Council have long been advocating for mandatory sprinklers in all new and substantially refurbished schools in England. Effective sprinkler systems are vital, along with other fire safety measures, such as fire alarms and fire doors, for protecting schools against the risks of fire. Indeed, sprinklers are the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages.

It is NFCC’s position that it should be mandatory for sprinkler systems to be fitted in all new schools, and that sprinklers should also be retrofitted in existing school buildings when relevant refurbishment takes place. Voices from across the sector have been united in calling for these changes, including the Fire Brigades Union, the National Education Union, the National Association of Head Teachers, the Fire Protection Association, the European Sprinkler Network, the Business Sprinkler Alliance, Zurich, and the Association of British Insurers. E

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F School fires in England in recent years have demonstrated the importance of having mandatory sprinkler systems. In May 2020, there was an accidental fire in Harrington Junior School in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, which did not have sprinklers installed. The fire was caused during refurbishment works. Fortunately, everyone was able to get out safely and there were no children in school at the time. However, two firefighters incurred slight injuries and the entire building was destroyed in the blaze. This was despite the efforts of fire and rescue service crews from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire working throughout the night to to damp the fire down and extinguish hot spots.

A temporary school had to be built to house the pupils, who suffered disruption from working at home and being moved to temporary accommodation. Sprinklers would have contained or extinguished the fire with minimal disruption to children’s education and the wider community. The school was rebuilt E