SalfordOnline

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is stepping up its campaign to have domestic sprinklers fitted in all homes following a series of fires overnight.

A man died, three women and two children suffered smoke inhalation and a firefighter was injured during three separate incidents.

Sadly all may have been avoided if sprinklers were installed.

Now GMFRS is writing to local politicians in the affected neighbourhoods to highlight how important this fire safety measure is.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter O'Reilly said: "Having a working sprinkler system is like having a firefighter in your home, it acts extremely quickly to control it, even if nobody is present.

"For many years we have been fitting free smoke alarms to provide an early warning to fire and that has had great success in reducing the number of serious incidents we attend. However a smoke alarm can't fully fire-proof a home and people's lifestyle choices.

"Sprinklers activate due to the heat generated by a fire, controlling it, preventing its spread and in many cases putting it out."

The Service is hoping to work with politicians, councils, the chamber of commerce and housing providers to try to ensure that all new properties and current social housing buildings are fitted with sprinklers.

To highlight the need for them, GMFRS is writing to local councillors and MPs whenever there is a serious fire to outline how a sprinkler could reduce heartbreak and devastation to families and communities.

Source: GMF.