In May 2026, we attended a fire at a food processing factory in Hereford. The building’s sprinkler system activated before crews arrived, containing and controlling the fire.
This incident demonstrates that sprinklers can control fires before the fire can escalate in this case involving lithium-ion batteries limiting fire damage, preserves business continuity and reducing the risk to people, firefighters, property and the environment, even though such protection is not a requirement for factories under the current building regulations.
This case adds to the evidence that sprinkler systems are reliable and effective, reinforcing findings from the report by Optimal Economics, commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council and the National Fire Sprinkler Network, on the role of sprinklers in controlling and extinguishing fires as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy.
It also strengthens the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association’s case for installing sprinklers in industrial premises by providing practical evidence to support policy and parliamentary engagement, helping to expand sprinkler use across the built environment.
“This incident clearly demonstrates how effective automatic sprinkler systems are in controlling fires at an early stage, significantly reducing damage and risk. At Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, we continue to promote the wider use of sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Our position on sprinklers complements the NFCC’s position statement setting out the clear benefits they provide in protecting life, property and business continuity, and we encourage those responsible for buildings to consider their installation wherever possible.”
SC Dan Willey, Fire Safety Manager
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