Funding for sprinkler systems approved by Derbyshire County Council

The £20,000 matches funding from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and will allow a further 17 systems to be bought, bringing the total number of systems to 34.

The systems can be installed in the homes of vulnerable people with mobility problems who are at significant risk of harm from fire. They can be used in conjunction with other methods of preventing fire such as fire-resistant bedding and can be reused in other homes

Councillor Dave Allen, Cabinet Member, Health and Communities said: “The systems have already been proven to be extremely effective in preventing vulnerable people coming to serious harm or death from a fire in the home. The first system to be fitted prevented the spread of a fire caused by a discarded cigarette. So to be able to continue the funding is very important to ensure we keep safe those residents who are at risk”.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service will refer vulnerable people following home safety fire checks which identify residents at significant risk.