South Yorkshire housing providers are being asked to come to a free event to find out more about a fire service fund set up to support the installation of life saving sprinkler systems in high risk homes.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) is hosting the Think Sprinkler event in a bid to explain to landlords, charities and social housing organisations the benefits of installing sprinklers to protect their tenants from fire.

Business fire safety officers will also explain how organisations can apply for funding under the Fire Authority’s Stronger Safer Communities Reserve. Money has been set aside from the Authority’s reserves to support sprinkler projects on a match funded basis.

Head of prevention and protection Steve Helps, said: “The combination of working smoke alarms and a home sprinkler system reduces the risk of death from fire by more than 80 per cent.

“Automatic fire sprinklers are most effective during the initial stage of a fire occurring, as a properly installed sprinkler will detect the heat, initiate an alarm and activate just moments after the flames appear.

“I would encourage local housing providers to attend this free event to find out more about the potential funding opportunities available to them to help make their most vulnerable residents safer from fire.”

SYFR has pioneered the use of sprinklers in high risk residential settings, leading a UK first project to retrofit an automated system at the Callow Mount block of flats in Gleadless. That scheme is now internationally recognised for the improved safety it offers the people living within the building.

It has also worked alongside Sheffield City Council to make more than 540 properties in the city safer by installing lifesaving sprinkler systems at council owned flats in Gleadless Valley, Westfield, Stannington and Netherthorpe. This project was another UK first.

The installation of sprinkler systems in new build homes is now mandatory in Wales and SYFR is actively promoting the use of this type of protection in all types of buildings to build resilience and safety into local communities.

The Think Sprinkler event takes place at SYFR’s training centre in Handsworth, Sheffield on 11 January. To book your place email BFSCenSupp@syfire.gov.uk with SSCR SPRINKLER FUND in the subject line.

For more information on sprinkler systems, visit https://www.syfire.gov.uk/business-advice/fire-sprinklers/

The funding application form can be downloaded here. The closing date for applications is 10 March.