Sprinkler Save in Bristol Kitchen

A recent incident in Bristol demonstrates just how powerful a correctly installed sprinkler system can be - even in a retrofitted building. On 6 September, a kitchen fire broke out in a flat on the 8th floor of a ten-story residential block. Thanks to the activation of a single sidewall sprinkler head, the fire was contained, controlled, and extinguished - with no injuries reported.

What Happened

• The fire originated from a frying pan left on the cooker hob.
• Fire crews determined the blaze was limited to one flat on the 8th floor and entered wearing breathing apparatus.
• The sprinkler system, designed in accordance with BS 9251 and following Appendix E guidance in Approved Document B (ADB Vol. 2), performed as designed.
• Fire damage was limited to the item initially ignited, with smoke staining above the hob, and crews were able to extinguish any residual fire rapidly.
• Because the fire was contained so effectively, the fire service was able to release resources quickly and minimise disruption.

This outcome affirms several of the key functional objectives of sprinkler systems: reducing heat and smoke production, limiting fire growth, containing fires, and facilitating firefighter access with lower risk.

Richard Bobruk, Business Fire Safety Officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, emphasised that automatic sprinklers are “a proven life safety measure” - citing their 99% effectiveness in controlling or extinguishing fires and 94% reliability in operation.

Why This Matters for Retrofitting

Many residential high-rise buildings - especially older ones - were never originally built with fire sprinkler systems in mind. Retrofitting (adding a sprinkler system to an existing structure) can be complex, but incidents like this Bristol fire underscore how worthwhile it is.

At A&F Sprinklers, our Multi-Works department specialises in retrofit sprinkler installations, among other services. Whether it’s a former block of flats, a scissor-block layout, or other complex vertical residential forms.

We see this Bristol activation as powerful evidence that when retrofits are done right, they can deliver the same life-saving benefits as systems in newly constructed buildings.

Partnering for Safer Buildings

By promoting, installing, and maintaining effective sprinkler systems, we help building owners, housing associations, and local authorities significantly increase occupant safety and reduce fire risk. And the more cases like Bristol are documented - via initiatives like Sprinkler Saves - the stronger the evidence base for widespread retrofit adoption.

If you are responsible for a residential building that lacks sprinklers, or you’re exploring retrofit options, contact our Multi-Works team. Let us help you bring your building up to a higher safety standard, so the next fire incident doesn’t turn into a tragedy.

You can read the full write-up by Sprinkler Saves here - https://www.sprinklersaves.co.uk/saves/bristol-kitchen-high-rise-residential-building-sprinkler-activation/