Parkside Court in Chelmsford has become the first tower block in Essex to be fully fitted with a sprinkler suppression system thanks to match funding from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Sprinklers have been fitted in all 53 flats as well as all communal areas in the 15 storey block.
It is the first building to benefit from a matched funding scheme ECFRS launched last year which will see the Service helping to fund the installation of sprinkler suppression systems in existing blocks of flats.
ECFRS handed over a cheque for £50,000 to the Ursula Heelis, Chair of Chelmer Housing Partnership, who own the block, on Monday May 12.
The Service has pledged £250,000 to help make sure that homes where the most vulnerable people live are protected by sprinkler systems. The funding is available to local authorities, housing associations and charities. Those at highest risk are given priority access to the fund.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Hill said: “We are extremely pleased to be here today to not only hand over the cheque but also see for ourselves the new sprinkler system.
“Simply put sprinklers provide the best fire protection available. They are proven life savers, there are no recorded cases of multiple fire deaths in premises where sprinklers are fitted.
“The sprinklers are unobtrusive and you are more likely to win the lottery than an accidental sprinkler actuation.”
For more information about sprinklers and the match funding click the link here
