In the planning stages of Gladstone Mews, Boscombe, there was the clear intention of ensuring the homes being built would be a step above the status quo. Sustainability, efficiency and safety were key targets in the designs. As such, a conscious decision was made to have fire sprinklers installed in all the houses.
Often fire sprinklers are built into homes and building due to a lack of access requirement from a fire engine perspective, but this was not the case for Gladstone Mews. It was the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) as technical advisor to the Bournemouth 2026 Trust’s Community Land Trust board that instigated the consideration during the planning of the development.
‘Dorset Fire and Rescue Service could see the benefit to the local community that the Gladstone Mews project would bring, and were particularly keen to encourage the installation of sprinklers within the homes. Having sprinklers in these homes is like having a firefighter on stand-by in every room should the need arise!’ said Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Colin Chapman.
DFRS plays a key leadership role in promoting better understanding of the benefits of sprinklers as part of their core commitment to reducing the impact of fire on people, property and the environment in Dorset. Therefore when showing the almost completed homes to trustees, councillors and applicants this past week, it was of great value to have Andy Davis from DFRS explain the system to the visitors.
‘Fire sprinklers make so much sense these days. The cost to put them in compared to the cost they save if a fire were to break out, makes it an obvious and logical solution.’
During the demonstration Andy cleared up some myths that may still be held as true. When a fire sets off a sprinkler, only the sprinkler head directly affected by the fire is triggered, not all the sprinklers together as is largely portrayed in movies. As the water released attacks the fire quickly and directly, less water is needed and since they also operate the fire alarm, the flow can be quickly turned off when the fire is out.
There are many advantages to having fire sprinklers installed. They reduce death, injury and environmental impact from fire, protect property and permit design freedoms that may otherwise not be possible.
Today’s sprinkler systems are barely noticeable as they are recessed and protected with a white plate that is flush to the ceiling. This plate only comes off when the three soldering points holding it in position melt at a temperature of 58ºF during a fire incident. There is clear evidence that sprinklers can be effective in stopping fires spreading and putting them out. At the end of the day, it is better to be inconvenienced for a couple of days rehabilitating the damaged room than it is to lose your house altogether.
Owners of Gladstone Mews homes will be able to rest easy and sleep soundly knowing that their house is well protected.
https://www.dorsetfire.gov.uk/safety/sprinkler-position/
Once complete, the ownership of Gladstone Mews will be transferring from Bournemouth Borough Council to Bournemouth 2026 Trust, in their capacity as a Community Land Trust.
For more information please contact Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator, Bournemouth 2026 Trust, on 01202 392053
