Welsh homes all set for new fire sprinkler systems

The Welsh Assembly are expected to pass a measure later this year which would see all new properties in Wales installed with automatic sprinkler systems for fire safety.

The measure is under consideration for Welsh law and would include care homes and university residencies as well as new-build houses in the country.

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones, who put forward this new proposal and is now looking for support, said:

“After three years of campaigning and scrutiny we have seen a compelling moral and technical case for this life-saving device which has been working for decades in, amongst other places, cities in the USA and Canada.

“With sprinklers fitted, new homes in Wales will be amongst the safest in the world and that will go for new care homes and university accommodation too.

“Over 100 people have died in house fires in Wales since 2004 and we now know that sprinklers could have saved many of these lives.”

The three fire and rescue services in Wales have backed the new measure, which has also received encouragement from the Fire Brigades Union, the National Fire Sprinkler Network and the Chief Fire Officers Association (UK).

Despite the general consensus, there have been a number of questions raised through the consultation process, with the National House Building Council (NHBC) remaining neutral on its position.