Experts to discuss sustainability and safety benefits of sprinklers at BAFSA event
BAFSA launches online course for fire sprinkler safety
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has announced a new free online course on fire sprinkler systems.
BAFSA to launch new high rise sprinkler design course in 2026
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has announced that it will introduce a new FHC course in high rise and full hydraulic sprinkler design for non storage occupancies.
Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes
BAFSA records multiple lithium battery-related sprinkler activations
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has reported a series of recent UK fire incidents in which sprinkler systems responded to lithium-ion battery fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.
According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, one event occurred in a four-room flat where a hallway fire blocked the primary escape route.
A concealed sprinkler head above the fire activated and extinguished the blaze before crews arrived.
Ten people were trapped and later rescued from the fourth floor by aerial ladder platform.
The incident was reported to BAFSA’s Sprinkler Saves UK initiative.
BAFSA confirmed the system prevented escalation of the fire and limited injuries to minor smoke inhalation.
This is one of several reported cases involving sprinkler systems activating in response to lithium battery fires inside residential properties.
Birmingham e-bike fire controlled by residential sprinkler system
In a separate case from April 2023, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service reported a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike caught fire while charging in the hallway of a retrofitted residential block of flats in Birmingham.
The fire blocked the internal escape route.
A sprinkler head activated and extinguished the fire.
Residents sought refuge on an external balcony until firefighters arrived.
No injuries were recorded.
According to a statement issued by West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, a resident said: “We couldn’t get out. We were on the tenth floor. It was too high. I can tell you for sure that the sprinklers saved our lives. It is brilliant they were installed in the first place.”
Gloucestershire fire suppressed before fire crews arrived
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service reported that in December 2024, an e-bike battery caught fire inside a studio flat within a house of multiple occupancy.
The fire was fully extinguished by a single sprinkler head in the room of origin.
The resident evacuated the building without injury.
The fire service was not required to suppress the blaze, which had already been controlled upon their arrival.
Station Manager Obi Selassie said: “If it was not for the activation of the sprinkler system extinguishing the fire before the arrival of the fire service, we could be discussing a different outcome for this incident.
“The benefits of sprinklers should not be underestimated – they save lives and reduce injuries, and protect firefighters.”
Sprinklers continue to activate in lithium battery incidents
According to BAFSA, none of the recent incidents led to fatalities.
All sprinkler systems operated as intended, with a single head controlling or extinguishing the fire.
In each case, the fire originated from a lithium battery installed in a personal electric transport device.
The sprinkler systems protected primary escape routes or enabled time for safe rescue.
BAFSA noted that although current UK sprinkler design standards do not specifically reference lithium-ion battery fires, these systems continue to demonstrate fire containment value.
BAFSA highlights ongoing reporting through Sprinkler Saves UK
All incidents were submitted to the Sprinkler Saves UK database.
BAFSA encourages further reporting of sprinkler activations that result in fire control or extinguishment.
The association uses the collected data to assess trends, support evidence-based advocacy, and raise awareness of sprinkler performance in residential and commercial settings.
BAFSA said the Sprinkler Saves UK project is designed to promote transparency and build a national picture of real-world sprinkler effectiveness.
More case studies are available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk.
Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes: Summary
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association reported multiple lithium-ion battery fires in the UK involving e-bikes and e-scooters.
Each incident involved activation of a single sprinkler head that suppressed or extinguished the fire.
One fire occurred in a flat in Avon, trapping ten occupants until firefighters arrived.
A second case was reported in Birmingham, where residents were rescued from a balcony.
A third fire in Gloucestershire was extinguished before fire crews arrived.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Obi Selassie confirmed the importance of early sprinkler activation.
BAFSA stated that current standards do not explicitly cover lithium-ion battery fires.
The Sprinkler Saves UK project tracks and publishes real-world data on sprinkler performance.
All incidents were based in the United Kingdom.
No fatalities were reported in any of the three incidents.
All information was published by BAFSA on 1 July 2025.
BAFSA releases Spring 2024 edition of BAFSA Focus in the UK
Highlights from the Spring 2024 edition
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has released the Spring 2024 edition of its publication, BAFSA Focus.
Chief Executive Ali Perry introduced the new edition.
Perry noted the publication includes insights from recent industry events, including the Building Safety Regulator’s second building safety conference.
In his introduction, Perry highlighted the critical role of competence as outlined in The Building Safety Act 2022.
He said: “Duty holders and organisations must demonstrate their competence and that of their supply chain.
“Competence is now a part of compliance and required by law.”
Insights from industry leaders
The latest edition of BAFSA Focus features contributions from key industry figures.
Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee, discussed the importance of proving and evidencing competence.
Vanstone emphasized the role of awarding bodies in this process.
Philip White, the Health and Safety Executive’s Director of Building Safety, contributed an article on the centrality of competence to the work of the Building Safety Regulator.
He stressed the importance of behaviours and ongoing competence in maintaining building safety standards.
BAFSA’s commitment to industry standards
Ali Perry outlined BAFSA’s ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and regulators to design sprinkler training courses that meet industry needs.
He stated: “We are working to ensure our courses receive the appropriate accreditation through ABBE and are recognised by third-party certification bodies.”
The publication reflects BAFSA’s commitment to maintaining standards in the sprinkler industry, a core principle since the association was founded 50 years ago.
Perry expressed confidence that this commitment would continue into the future.
Continuing the legacy
In the Spring 2024 edition of BAFSA Focus, Perry discusses BAFSA’s legacy of maintaining high standards and its future direction.
He stated: “We are continually working to understand how we can support our members and help the industry address competence challenges.
“In many ways, we are leading the way in this respect.”
Perry concluded by reaffirming BAFSA’s dedication to upholding industry standards and addressing the evolving challenges of the sprinkler industry.
BAFSA advocates for mandatory fire sprinklers in schools during Sprinkler Week
Increased risk of school fires during summer term
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) is urging the Government and education authorities to address the increased risk of fires in schools during the summer term.
This appeal is part of this year’s Sprinkler Week campaign, running from 20-25 May.
According to Government data, only 8.5% of new schools built since 2015 have automatic fire sprinklers installed, despite approximately 300 school fires occurring in 2023.
BAFSA highlights that schools equipped with sprinklers can often resume operations the same day after a fire, compared to the two-year rebuilding period typically required for major fires.
Sprinklers can limit fire damage to a single room, preserving valuable student coursework and preventing significant disruptions to education.
Fire sprinklers in schools: Call for legislative action
BAFSA, alongside the NFSN and NFCC, has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP.
The letter urges the Government to revise Building Bulletin 100 to mandate automatic fire suppression systems in all new schools.
The letter states: “It is deeply concerning that BB100 – which was necessary to provide fire safety measures specifically for schools, that were beyond Approved Document B and BS9999, to protect the continuity of education has become outdated and disregarded.”
Ali Perry, chief executive of BAFSA, emphasized the economic and emotional benefits of installing sprinklers in schools: “The impact of school fires is much greater than the financial cost of any rebuild. But there is the emotional cost too.
“Schools work hard to establish a positive culture and build relationships which are shattered when pupils and staff are displaced due to fire.”
Support from Zurich Municipal
Zurich Municipal supports BAFSA’s Sprinkler Week campaign, noting the persistent issue of fires in educational facilities.
Governments in Scotland and Wales have already mandated sprinklers in all new and significantly refurbished schools to prevent such blazes.
Paul Redington, Regional Major Loss Manager for Zurich, stated: “For several years, Zurich has called on the Government to bring English schools into line with the rest of Britain, but so far, we have yet to see any movement.”
Redington also pointed out additional fire risks: “The traditional fire risks of arson and ‘hot works’ are supplemented by the increase in complex electronic equipment in schools, and the growing trend among young people to use disposable vapes which contain lithium-ion batteries that can ignite if damaged or disposed of incorrectly.”
Impact on communities
Terry McDermott, secretary of the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN), stressed the importance of maintaining sprinkler requirements in new schools: “Any decision to remove the requirement for sprinklers in new schools would be a retrograde step. Schools are critical buildings in local communities.
“Whilst it is accepted that there has not been a loss of life in a school fire, the impact of the loss of a school is devastating for the children, parents, and the community.”
UK qualifications regulator approves new fire sprinkler system course
BAFSA announces new qualification for fire safety professionals
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has gained approval from OFQUAL for the ABBE Level 3 Award in Inspection and Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems.
This qualification is tailored for professionals in the fire safety sector, focusing on the inspection and commissioning of commercial fire sprinkler systems in alignment with LPC Rules and BS EN 12845 standards.
Participants in the course will acquire critical skills, including assessing sprinkler designs against various storage configurations and overseeing the installation and maintenance processes.
This marks a significant development in enhancing the competency and capabilities within the fire safety industry.
Course details and industry implications
OFQUAL’s endorsement signifies a crucial step forward in standardized training for fire safety professionals.
The newly named ABBE Level 3 Award will equip individuals with essential knowledge for managing and implementing fire sprinkler systems, a fundamental component of modern commercial building safety protocols.
Ali Perry, Chief Executive of BAFSA, expressed satisfaction with the course’s approval, stating: “I would like to congratulate BAFSA’s Ruth Oliver and Alan Crichton and our partners at ABBE for achieving this milestone in BAFSA’s ongoing commitment to further enhance the competence of those working within our life saving industry.
We will continue to work to deliver approved qualifications for the suite of new courses BAFSA is currently developing.”
Further information and future prospects
The qualification also serves as part of the criteria for obtaining the Industry Skillcard Fire Sprinkler Engineer (Blue Skilled Worker card), which is pivotal for professionals in the sector.
For those interested in enrolling in this course, further details are available on the BAFSA Training Centre website.
As part of its commitment to advancing fire safety education, BAFSA continues to develop and introduce new courses aimed at addressing the evolving needs of the fire safety industry.
These efforts underscore the association’s dedication to fostering a safer working environment through accredited training and qualifications.
IFSJ Comment
The approval of the ABBE Level 3 Award in Inspection and Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems by OFQUAL is a positive step towards standardising qualifications within the fire safety sector.
By setting a benchmark for educational excellence in this field, BAFSA is contributing to the overall enhancement of industry standards and safety.
BAFSA marks 50 years of advancement in the sprinkler industry
BAFSA celebrates half a century of progress in fire safety
BAFSA, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a distinguished gathering at the House of Lords last week.
The Attlee Room hosted a special lunch, commemorating five decades of dedication to the sprinkler industry.
Among the attendees were 50 key stakeholders from the fire safety sector, including notable figures such as Lord David Goddard, Sir Ken Knight, Bob Blackman MP, and Ann Jones OBE.
A milestone event featuring industry leaders
The celebration was highlighted by the debut of a 50th-anniversary video, narrated by renowned broadcaster and fire safety advocate, Nick Ross CBE.
The video paid tribute to BAFSA’s significant achievements and the advancements in sprinkler legislation achieved over the past 50 years.
Ali Perry, BAFSA’s Chief Executive, emphasised the collaborative efforts behind the association’s successes in his welcome speech: “Nothing BAFSA has achieved in the past 50 years has been done in isolation.
“It has been delivered through real partnership because of the passion, drive and determination of the people in this room.”
Inaugural John McCann award presented
The event also featured the presentation of the inaugural John McCann award for a notable contribution to the sprinkler industry.
The award was given to Dr Simon Bird and is sponsored by Vipond Fire Protection in memory of its former Managing Director, John McCann, who passed away in 2022.
Perry added: “At the time of his passing, John was the chair of BAFSA, a leading advocate for all things sprinklers and was instrumental in driving the wider adoption of fire sprinklers and change within our industry.
“It is fitting in memory of John that we can make the first presentation of this award here at the House of Lords for BAFSA’s 50th.”
Dr Simon Bird expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award: “I am very grateful to BAFSA for this award, which was an unexpected honour.
“Having had the privilege of knowing John and working with him over the years, made it all the more special. I wish the industry continued success.”
IFSJ Comment
The 50th-anniversary celebration of BAFSA at the House of Lords underscores the enduring commitment and collaborative spirit that have driven the sprinkler industry’s progress over the last half-century.
As BAFSA looks forward to continuing its advocacy and support for the sprinkler industry, the legacy of its past achievements and the promise of future advancements exemplify the association’s pivotal role in enhancing fire safety standards.
BAFSA marks its 50th anniversary with celebrations and reflections on advancements in fire safety
British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association commemorates half a century of dedication to fire safety
On 5th February 1974, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) held its very first meeting, marking the beginning of a 50-year journey dedicated to enhancing fire safety.
This significant milestone is celebrated by the association, which has been at the forefront of advocating for the widespread adoption of fire sprinklers in buildings across the UK.
Founding members and the journey
The association was founded by seven pioneering companies: AFA Minerva, (EMI) Ellis Fire Protection, Fire Snow, Haden Young, Mather & Platt, Matthew Hall Mechanical Services, and Merrol Fire Protection.
Mr Leslie Heaviside of Mather & Platt was appointed as the first chairman of BAFSA, laying the foundation for the association’s long-term mission to improve fire safety standards.
Celebrations at the House of Lords and throughout the year
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, BAFSA has planned a celebration of its achievements in fire safety on 8th February at the House of Lords.
The event will honour the contributions of individuals and organisations that have supported BAFSA’s goals.
Additionally, several key events are scheduled throughout the year to highlight this landmark anniversary.
Looking forward to the future for BAFSA
BAFSA has expressed its aspirations for the next 50 years, aiming to make fire sprinklers a mandatory requirement in all buildings.
The association extends its gratitude to its members for their continuous support and dedication to achieving this goal.
In a statement, BAFSA said: “Here’s to the next 50 years where we hope to see fire sprinklers a mandatory requirement in all buildings.
Thank you to all of our members who continue to help us to achieve that aim.”
IFSJ comment
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s 50th anniversary is a testament to the enduring importance of fire safety in our communities.
Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, BAFSA has played a crucial role in promoting the adoption of fire sprinkler systems, contributing to safer living and working environments.
As we look to the future, the continued efforts of organisations like BAFSA are essential in driving forward innovations in fire safety and ensuring that the lessons learned over the past half-century are applied to protect lives and properties for generations to come.
Scotland reviews the use of sprinklers in converted historic buildings
The Scottish Government has announced the establishment of an expert working group to evaluate the necessity of installing sprinkler systems in historic buildings that undergo transformation into hotels.
The motivation behind the sprinklers decision
This move follows the tragic Cameron House Hotel fire at Loch Lomond in December 2017.
Two individuals lost their lives in this catastrophe.
An inquiry into these deaths revealed that sprinklers might have “significantly slow the spread of flame and would extend the margin of safety for available escape time”.
The investigation further stated: “It was a real or likely possibility that if sprinklers had been installed and had worked to inhibit the extent and spread of the fire and smoke, Mr Midgley and Mr Dyson would have been able safely to escape the building”.
Subsequent to this inquiry, the Scottish Government initiated a preliminary group to assess the proposed measures.
They have now endorsed the formation of an expert group “to review the mandating of automatic fire suppression systems where historic buildings are being converted into hotels”.
BAFSA’s involvement and perspective on sprinklers
Ali Perry, the Chief Executive of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Assocaition (BAFSA), commented on the development: “BAFSA has been engaging with Scottish Building Standards on this issue and we hope to be involved in further discussions going forward”.
Further insights regarding this topic are to be revealed in an upcoming case study titled ‘The Cameron House Hotel Fire – Lessons Learnt’ authored by BAFSA’s Stewart Kidd.
Kidd is also set to present his findings to BAFSA members at their AGM afternoon seminar, scheduled for Thursday, 9th November at The Liverpool Marriott City Centre Hotel.
IFSJ Comment
The devastating Cameron House Hotel fire shed light on a critical gap in fire safety for historic buildings repurposed as hotels.
Ensuring these structures, with their unique architectures and histories, are equipped with modern fire suppression systems like sprinklers can significantly enhance safety margins.
The Scottish Government’s move to convene an expert group for reviewing this is a positive stride towards safeguarding not just the rich heritage these buildings carry, but more importantly, the lives that reside within them.
The discussions and outcomes of this group will likely set a precedent for similar architectural treasures across the globe.