8:22am Wednesday 10th January 2007
By Vicky O'Hare
THE value of fire safety devices was certainly in evidence when a "live burn" was carried out by local firefighters to demonstrate the effectiveness of domestic sprinkler systems.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) staff set alight two houses in Bishops Green, near Tadley, to show the devastating impact a domestic fire can have, and how installing a sprinkler system can dramatically reduce the risk of serious harm to occupants and extinguish the fire quickly.
One of the two houses - which had been earmarked for demolition - was fitted with a sprinkler system while the other was not.
Residents in the area and representatives from Sentinel Housing Association, Ultrasafe Fire Solutions and Hill Partnerships, who organised the event in partnership with HFRS, watched as smoke billowed from the house without the sprinkler system and flames engulfed the living room.
However, in the other house, the sprinkler system began operating within two minutes and put out the flames.
Speaking after the event, Rod Hammerton, community safety manager for HFRS, said: "This demonstration gave everyone a chance to see first-hand and discuss a valuable means of protecting properties and saving lives.
"It was easy to see why, particularly for vulnerable groups, the provision of domestic sprinklers is being increasingly recommended."
The event was staged as part of HFRS' ongoing drive to reduce fire-related accidental deaths and injuries.
The two houses used in the demonstration will make way for new housing planned as part of the regeneration project for Bishops Green.
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