Portsmouth Council Pumps £9.5m Into High-Rise Fire Safety Upgrades
Portsmouth City Council is ramping up fire safety across 40 high-rise blocks with a £9.5 million plan to install sprinkler systems and carry out vital safety upgrades. Work kicks off this autumn at Ladywood House and Handsworth House, targeting buildings 10 storeys or taller.
Firefighters Get Real Training in Leamington House
The council’s close partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is already paying off. Fire crews have used the soon-to-be-demolished Leamington House for 16 training exercises, honing their skills in realistic high-rise fire scenarios.
Jason Avery, HIWFRS Assistant Director for Prevention and Protection, said: “Our relationship with Portsmouth City Council means firefighters in Cosham, Havant and Southsea can practice high-rise incidents in real settings and familiarise themselves with the layouts of these buildings.”
Sprinklers Prove Their Worth in Southampton Flat Blaze
The benefits of sprinklers were recently demonstrated when HIWFRS crews responded to a flat fire in Southampton. Thanks to the sprinkler system, the blaze was controlled to one room with no evacuations needed, as the sprinklers only activated in the affected flat.
“Sprinklers control and quickly suppress fires before firefighters even arrive, helping to keep both residents and crews safe,” said Avery. “They’re key to stopping small fires turning into disasters.”
Safety First: Fire Doors, Panels And Resident Engagement
Alongside sprinklers, the council is shelling out £10 million over five years to replace fire doors and external panelling in these high-rises. Steve Groves, Head of Building Maintenance, promised:
“Our priority is resident safety. We’ll work closely with them to keep disruption to a minimum and keep everyone informed through engagement events.”
Residents will get sprinkler demos and see pilot flats showcasing planned installations. The joint effort between the council and HIWFRS ensures that the highest-risk blocks get attention first, making Portsmouth’s high-rises safer than ever.
