The first crew was on scene within three minutes and found that a cooker fire in the kitchen was already out on arrival – thanks to the sprinkler system installed.
Sprinklers are designed to control fires, quickly suppressing before the arrival of firefighters at incidents.
Group Manager, Ben Allen said:
‘The sprinklers in Millbrook Towers did exactly what these systems are designed to do.
‘By confining the fire to one room, the potential for this being a much more significant incident was averted.
‘No-one had to be evacuated from the building and we were able to isolate the sprinklers and enter the flat to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and water damage was kept to a minimum.
‘Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has worked hard alongside Southampton City Council to ensure that sprinklers have been fitted in all council-owned high-rise buildings across the city.
‘This helps to keep firefighters and the community safer and makes a real difference in preventing fires from spreading.’
Earlier this month, sprinklers activated and suppressed an oven fire on the sixth floor of Copenhagen Tower in Southampton. Crews attended that incident on April 12.
Sprinklers will only activate if there is a fire in your flat – they won’t go off accidentally or if you burn your toast or create steam when cooking – and only the sprinkler head closest to the fire is activated.
HIWFRS are continuing to work closely with other local authorities to install systems in similar premises across the county.
You can also help to keep your home safe from fire by following top tips and advice from HIWFRS including specific safety advice just for tower block residents High-rise living – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Official website of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (hantsfire.gov.uk).
You can also find out if you’re eligible for a free Safe and Well visit or contact our community safety teams by looking at Safe and Well – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Official website of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (hantsfire.gov.uk)