Automatic sprinklers prevent flames ripping through Sheffield school

Automatic sprinklers prevented flames spreading through a school in Sheffield overnight when a fire broke out.
Meadowhead School, MeadowheadMeadowhead School, Meadowhead
Meadowhead School, Meadowhead

Firefighters from Lowedges, Central and Birley Moor stations were called to Meadowhead School on Dyche Lane, Meadowhead, at 11.55pm yesterday and when crews arrived they found a classroom in the art block alight.

The school's automatic sprinkler system had activated and firefighters who went in wearing breathing apparatus said the fire was under control when they arrived.

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They left the scene at 2am and an investigation into the cause is now underway.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's head of prevention and protection, Steve Helps, said: "As this incident proves automatic fire sprinklers are most effective during the initial stage of a fire occurring, as a properly installed sprinkler will detect the flames heat, initiate an alarm, and activate just moments after the flames appear.

"When you consider the huge costs associated with a school fire such as rebuilding, temporary relocation, loss of equipment and pupil’s academic work, it seems like an obvious move to install sprinkler systems such as this in schools.

"Above everything else, sprinklers give added protection to the pupils and staff at the school, and the firefighters who respond to tackle the fire.

"I am really pleased that this sprinkler system did its job and doused the flames to prevent it spreading to other parts of the school."