AMs back fire sprinkler law for new homes

Mid and West AMs Joyce Watson and Rebecca Evans have seen first-hand how new fire-safety housing regulations will save Welsh lives.
The regulations are the result of the Domestic Fire Safety measure, which was passed by the last assembly. When introduced, it will mean that all new houses in Wales will have to have fire sprinklers installed as standard.
At a recent demonstration by the South Wales Fire Service outside the Senedd, the Labour AMs watched as the devices extinguished a controlled fire in a mock-up living room.
Speaking after the demonstration, Mrs Watson said:
“Seeing how quickly the sprinklers put out the fire really brought home to me the value of this legislation – there was very limited damage to the room.
“Accidental house fires caused thirteen deaths in Wales last year, as well as devastating property, families and communities. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service does a fantastic job protecting people but there is only so much they can do. Sprinklers are a vital front-line defence.
Mrs Evans added:
“It is estimated that over the next ten years, 36 lives will be saved and hundreds of injuries will be avoided thanks to installing sprinklers in newly built homes. Along with the Welsh Government’s plan to introduce the Welsh Housing Standard, we should be proud that here in Wales, we are taking action to improve the quality and safety of our houses.”
The Welsh Government consultation on proposed regulations to make systems such as fire sprinklers compulsory in new and converted homes closes on June 17.
The policy is widely supported by Chief Fire Officers from across the UK as it will result in fewer fire deaths and minimise some of the enormous danger fire-fighters put themselves in.