Residents asked to support petition

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging local residents to back an e-petition to make sprinklers compulsory in all new dwellings.

If the petition receives the backing of 100,000 people it could be debated in Parliament.

The petition comes following the recent introduction of a law in Wales, which will make sprinklers compulsory in all new homes.

Area manager for prevention and protection, Adrian Murphy, said: “Sprinklers are like the equivalent to having a firefighter ready and waiting in every room of your home.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings out there regarding how sprinklers work, but the reality is that they only activate when the temperature reaches over 68 degrees centigrade and even then only activate in affected rooms.

“There are a number of estates and blocks of flats across the country that have had sprinklers fitted and the residents in those areas have reported feeling much safer in their homes.

“The evidence speaks for itself - no one has ever died in a fire when their home was fitted with a sprinkler system.

“The Welsh Government have recognised this, which is why they have now introduced legislation, we would like to see similar legislation introduced here in England.”

To pledge your support visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/4409.