A stark reminder of the critical role fire suppression systems
The devastating fire at London Luton Airport’s multi-storey car park, which destroyed over 1,300 vehicles and caused the partial collapse of the building, serves as a stark reminder of the critical role fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, play in preventing large-scale disasters. The recent report by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) highlighted that while sprinklers were not mandatory in this open-sided structure, their presence could have significantly changed or delayed the fire’s spread.
At Project Fire, we have long championed the widespread installation of automatic sprinkler systems, not just as a fire safety measure but as an essential component of effective fire prevention in both residential and commercial settings. Sprinklers are proven to be one of the most reliable means of controlling fires, especially in large or complex buildings like multi-storey car parks, where fire can spread rapidly due to open structures and fuel-rich environments. The Luton incident, which required over 100 firefighters, shows how quickly fires can escalate when automatic suppression systems are not in place.
The BFRS report underscores the fact that sprinklers could have slowed the fire’s progression and increased the chances of successful firefighting operations. This aligns with our view at Project Fire that sprinklers not only save lives but also significantly reduce property damage and business disruption. It’s important to note that while fire services like BFRS promote the installation of sprinklers, they cannot mandate their use in certain building types, including open-sided multi-storey car parks. We strongly support the report’s call for a change in national guidance and legislation to make sprinklers mandatory in such structures in a similar way to NFPA 88A which requires all new parking structures to have sprinkler systems installed to NFPA 13.
At Project Fire, we also advocate for compliant testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems, ensuring that they are fully operational when needed. Systems like our Zonecheck simplify the testing process and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, making it easier for building owners to stay proactive in protecting their properties.
The Luton fire could have had an even more tragic outcome without the swift action of fire crews, but it serves as a powerful reminder that automatic fire suppression systems are crucial to safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure. We urge building owners, planners, and regulators to prioritise the installation and regular testing of sprinkler systems to prevent future incidents.