Sprinklers scheme for tower block

Over the next three months, the 38-year-old high rise Callow Mount block in Gleadless will be fitted with a sprinkler system that will automatically activate if fire breaks out.

The £80,000 cost of fitting the system at the 13-storey block of flats is being funded by the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), which aims to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of using sprinklers to protect people in high rise tower blocks.

The project, described as “ground-breaking” is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

Coun Harry Harpham, said: “As well as helping to protect local people from fire, this project that will provide meaningful evidence to local authorities throughout the UK of the potential to economically install fire sprinklers  in high-rise properties.”

Assistant chief fire officer Neil Hessell, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, added: “This is an innovative and ground-breaking project, and we are delighted that BAFSA have chosen to pilot this initiative in Sheffield.”