Portsmouth Pumps £9.5m into High-Rise Fire Safety Boost
Portsmouth City Council is cracking down on fire risks in its towering blocks with a £9.5 million plan to install sprinklers across 40 high-rise buildings. The safety push kicks off this autumn at Ladywood House and Handsworth House, focusing on buildings of 10 storeys or more.
Teamwork for Safer Skies
Working hand-in-hand with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS), the council is reviving joint events to keep residents in the loop. These meet-ups will explain the sprinkler rollout and fire safety upgrades, just like before the pandemic.
Jason Avery, HIWFRS Assistant Director of Prevention and Protection, hailed the partnership: “Cosham, Havant and Southsea firefighters have practised in real high-rise conditions, thanks to training at the soon-to-be-demolished Leamington House. This frontline experience is vital for tackling future emergencies.”
Sprinklers Save Lives
The benefits of sprinklers aren’t just theory. Just recently, a flat fire in southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton was doused early by installed sprinklers, keeping the blaze confined to one room without evacuation. As Avery points out, “Sprinklers quickly suppress fires before firefighters arrive, protecting lives and property.”
More Than Just Sprinklers
The council’s fire safety revamp goes beyond sprinklers, with a £10 million investment in new fire doors and replacing external cladding over five years. Steve Groves, Head of Building Maintenance at Portsmouth City Council, promised minimal disruption: “We’ll keep residents well-informed and prioritise their safety with community engagement events spotlighting fire safety advice.”
With these combined efforts, Portsmouth is setting a new gold standard in high-rise fire protection – making sure residents sleep easier, knowing help is at hand.
