Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Day two delved into Industrial and Commercial Sprinkler Systems, with in-depth design sessions and more practical work on Zonecheck Addressable, rounded off with a session on Residential Sprinkler Systems and a team dinner. On the final day, we explored sprinkler maintenance and service, including a live demo of the Livetap system and an insightful session led by Rob Speakman (SPP Fire Pumps) on how to handle high rise building projects.

“It was a very enjoyable, engaging and beneficial course and I would highly recommend it to any engineers interested in fire protection design.” – Heba, Arup

It was an action-packed few days, filled with invaluable insights, collaboration, and practical skills development. Our special thanks go to Andy Fisher for his experienced teaching and leadership throughout the course, as well as to our other instructors and partners for their expertise. The positive feedback from the engineers at Arup has been fantastic, and we can’t wait for the next course to begin! If you’re a building consultant, public health engineer, or an industry professional looking to expand your fire safety knowledge, get in touch to book a course here at the Project Fire Academy.

We’re committed to delivering an exceptional training experience that combines both technical learning and a little bit of fun along the way! Email us at academy@projectfire.co.uk to enquire about upcoming sessions and book your place.

https://www.projectfireproducts.co.uk/fire-sprinkler-training/

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Day two delved into Industrial and Commercial Sprinkler Systems, with in-depth design sessions and more practical work on Zonecheck Addressable, rounded off with a session on Residential Sprinkler Systems and a team dinner. On the final day, we explored sprinkler maintenance and service, including a live demo of the Livetap system and an insightful session led by Rob Speakman (SPP Fire Pumps) on how to handle high rise building projects.

“It was a very enjoyable, engaging and beneficial course and I would highly recommend it to any engineers interested in fire protection design.” – Heba, Arup

It was an action-packed few days, filled with invaluable insights, collaboration, and practical skills development. Our special thanks go to Andy Fisher for his experienced teaching and leadership throughout the course, as well as to our other instructors and partners for their expertise. The positive feedback from the engineers at Arup has been fantastic, and we can’t wait for the next course to begin! If you’re a building consultant, public health engineer, or an industry professional looking to expand your fire safety knowledge, get in touch to book a course here at the Project Fire Academy.

We’re committed to delivering an exceptional training experience that combines both technical learning and a little bit of fun along the way! Email us at academy@projectfire.co.uk to enquire about upcoming sessions and book your place.

https://www.projectfireproducts.co.uk/fire-sprinkler-training/

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Technical Specifications

The new Zonecheck is a more efficient design and so has a lower power rating than the previous model. The performance of the two pumps is similar and flow rates are controlled via the use orifice plates built into the Zonecheck assembly so functionality remains the same. Below is a side by side comparison of the technical specifications. The max working pressure of Zonecheck remains the same, 12bar (with testing pressure of 18bar). This will be clearly labelled on the Zonecheck unit in a similar way to before. The pump itself is labelled as PN10 by the manufacturer but this pump (within the overall Zonecheck assembly) has gone through all of the rigorous tests from third party approval bodies as the previous model including static pressure testing to over 40bar.

OLD PUMP NEW PUMP 
TypeWiloTypeWilo
Operating voltage230V 50HzOperating voltage230V 50/60Hz
IMAX0.93AIMAX0.82A
Max power rating195WMax power rating75W
IP ratingIP43IP ratingIPX4D

Dimensions

OLD ZONECHECK    
ØMMABCD
50 (2″)25666145116
65 (2 1/2″)26466155124
80 (3″)27185165130
100 (4″)28385170140
150 (6″)309115195170
200 (8″)336150225195
NEW ZONECHECK     
ØMMABCD
50 (2″)21066145116
65 (2 1/2″)21566155124
80 (3″)22085165130
100 (4″)22585170140
150 (6″)150115195170
200 (8″)275150225195

Wiring

The old pump was wired directly into a plastic housing on the side of the pump. The new pump will be supplied with a short fly lead and a male/female connector (see below). The installer will firstly site the key-switch at an appropriate location and then wire from the key-switch to the female side of the connector assembly. This can then be plugged into the connector on the pump fly lead simplifying on-site installation.

The old pump is wired directly into in the pump from the key-switch.

The new pump is supplied with a fly lead already factory wired into the pump head with a male and female connector supplied for wiring into the key-switch.

Venting

The new pump is designed to be less sensitive to pockets of air within the water. Zonecheck has always included a vent valve as part of the assembly so the Zonecheck can easily be vented via this means, although the old pump could be vented through a seal at the end of the pump motor assembly.

Venting is an important process to ensure that the pump works efficiently and trips the flow-switch. Venting is only required when the Zonecheck is installed horizontally and once the pipework is vented, it is unlikely to require further venting unless the pipework is drained and the water replaced.

The new pump is self venting and has the ability to push air out of the pump, although if you still continue to experience trapped air causing failed tests you can open the yellow vent value to discharge water to remove any further trapped air. You can view the new venting procedure for the new pump here.

The old pump could be vented through a seal at the end of the pump motor assembly.

Connect hose and run to bucket, carefully open the yellow vent valve on the Zonecheck to remove air until water is flowing to make sure all air is bled from the unit.

Pump Replacement

The old pump has proven itself to be an extremely reliable pump and has been in service for over 20 years. In rare cases the pump can can cease if manufacturers guidelines aren’t followed, for instance when a Zonecheck is installed and no flow-switch testing has been carried out for a prolonged period of time.

The new pump model should provide a longer life span than the previous pump model (as long as manufacturers guidelines are followed) based on the life-cycle testing performed in-house at Project Fire.

PUMP REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
For both the old and new pump the replacement procedure is the same. If either of the pumps need to be replaced then there are two main ways to do this:

  • Replace the pump motor only (easiest method)
  • Replace both the pump motor and casting as an entire pump replacement.

It is important to note that the old and new pump heads are not interchangeable. However, an entire pump (motor and casting) are interchangeable (as the distance between the red and green valves remain the same). Project Fire will hold a stock of the old pumps for maintenance purposes but once these have gone, older Zonechecks that require a replacement pump will have to replace both the motor and casting.

Products Affected

  • Zonecheck
  • Zonecheck Retro-fit
  • Zonecheck Pre-wired
  • Zonecheck Addressable
  • Zonecheck Econ Aqua (mist)
  • Zonecheck Live
  • Zonecheck Residential (galvanised)
  • Firepod

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Wiring

The old pump was wired directly into a plastic housing on the side of the pump. The new pump will be supplied with a short fly lead and a male/female connector (see below). The installer will firstly site the key-switch at an appropriate location and then wire from the key-switch to the female side of the connector assembly. This can then be plugged into the connector on the pump fly lead simplifying on-site installation.

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Day two delved into Industrial and Commercial Sprinkler Systems, with in-depth design sessions and more practical work on Zonecheck Addressable, rounded off with a session on Residential Sprinkler Systems and a team dinner. On the final day, we explored sprinkler maintenance and service, including a live demo of the Livetap system and an insightful session led by Rob Speakman (SPP Fire Pumps) on how to handle high rise building projects.

“It was a very enjoyable, engaging and beneficial course and I would highly recommend it to any engineers interested in fire protection design.” – Heba, Arup

It was an action-packed few days, filled with invaluable insights, collaboration, and practical skills development. Our special thanks go to Andy Fisher for his experienced teaching and leadership throughout the course, as well as to our other instructors and partners for their expertise. The positive feedback from the engineers at Arup has been fantastic, and we can’t wait for the next course to begin! If you’re a building consultant, public health engineer, or an industry professional looking to expand your fire safety knowledge, get in touch to book a course here at the Project Fire Academy.

We’re committed to delivering an exceptional training experience that combines both technical learning and a little bit of fun along the way! Email us at academy@projectfire.co.uk to enquire about upcoming sessions and book your place.

https://www.projectfireproducts.co.uk/fire-sprinkler-training/

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

HI STEVE, SO COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND WHAT YOUR ROLE IS WITHIN THIS PROJECT?
Yes of course, I work for Solihull Community Housing which is an ALMO, or an arm’s length organisation, linked to Solihull Council. We help the council to better understand and protect their residents in a council area that is one of the biggest in the UK with a diverse range of residents, including the vulnerable. The Council specifically gave us the Solihull Council retrofit project which involved 37 blocs. We needed to ascertain the best way to protect those residents from fire, this included sprinklers, but as part of a larger holistic fire protection system, including cladding, panels and fire alarms.

SO TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE PROJECT AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT?
Well, since the Grenfell tragedy, Solihull Council has been reviewing how they can better protect local residents against fire in the Solihull area. A feasibility report was created in 2018 to confirm without doubt that sprinklers were the best course of action to save lives. One of the reasons the report was commissioned is because there were specific engineering elements to review as the blocks were built in the 60s so the report needed to address if we could actually fit in the sprinklers.

AND I ASSUME YOU GOT THE GO AHEAD, DID EVERYTHING GO TO PLAN?
Yes we did, as we expected the report clearly confirmed sprinkler retrofitting was the best option to fully protect the residents in those high rises. We then created a project plan and started to install the systems in 2020. As fate would have it, during the sprinkler system installation phase the BS 9251 regulations changed and the new BS9251:2021 regulations were put into place. We had two options, either stay with the original project (which we were legally allowed to do) or redesign the entire plan from A-Z so is it becomes compliant with the new 2021 regulations and it is fit for the future.

SO YOU CHOSE TO REDESIGN THE SYSTEM TO BS9251:2021?
Yes, we chose to transform the project, so it was in line with the 2021 regulations. Protecting our residents is always our number one priority and as these regulations are a lot stricter it was logical to go with these to ensure we have done everything possible to ensure residents are fully protected from fire throughout the lifecycle of the 37 towers.

There was actually a substantial cost involved. If you think about the sheer size of the project, for example we needed 7 sprinkler heads per apartment, 2 sprinkler heads per common area. Then if you look at it in a larger sense that’s approximately 390 sprinkler heads installed per block, 14430 sprinkler heads across all 37 blocks with 63700m of CPVC pipework installed across the 37 blocks. There were 24 litre tanks, secondary power supplies to name just a few of the redesigning elements involved.

As resident safety was our number one reason for transforming the project the extra investment was deemed necessary and the project design was approved. What was actually really helpful during this stage was that Project Fire’s automatic testing and remote sprinkler monitoring system helped us to achieve the 2021 compliancy.

One we evolved the system to fully protect our residents we actually become the first council to adapt to the 2021 regulations in the UK.

THAT’S A GREAT EXAMPLE OF TAKING FIRE PROTECTION SERIOUSLY FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. HAVE YOU ALREADY RECEIVED POSITIVE RESULTS?
Gosh tons. Firstly, we actually had a kitchen fire a few weeks ago in a property while the resident was in the home. Thanks to Project Fire’s monitoring system, we were immediately alerted that the sprinkler head was activated. The sprinkler put the fire out in seconds, and we were able to ring the fire service and tell them with precision where the fire was located. We got the system running again immediately as we knew exactly which flow-switch had been activated. It’s really impactful when you actually see the system at work, and you know that it has saved a life. We also know Project fire’s system is helping to protect our residents by ensuring the system remains in compliance . With a click of a button we can see every flow switch and control valve is being continually monitored and will be ready in case a fire happens again.

We also received such positive feedback positive feedback from the residents since we retro-fitted the sprinklers. We expected more resistance to change and prepared a huge communication campaign both online and door to door. But we largely received positive feedback. Residents feel more secure in their own homes and they really see now that the council has invested time and funding to ensure their safety. They really saw the fact that we were future proofing the entire neighbourhood and that we were forward thinking in how we would do that across the entire fire protection solution.

In fact, the benefits of retrofitting sprinklers went far beyond fire safety. We were really surprised to find that it also provided huge social responsibility benefits for both our residents and us as a council.

Photo credit: Dave Warren

 

SO YOUR FIRE SAFETY INITIATIVES ALSO ALLOWED YOU TO ENSURE RESIDENT SAFETY ACROSS THE BOARD?
Yes exactly. We retrofitted resident homes during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and would often spend 3-4 days installing the sprinklers systems which meant we were often a lifeline and the only contact available to them. We were able to identify very quickly other support that the resident might need and contacted the relevant council department who then got immediately in touch with the resident to fully support them. It truly opened up a door, literally and figurately. And that engagement and contact with the residents has revolutionised the way we work and invest in the neighbourhood. We are now fully addressing all aspects of resident safety, whether that is fire, mental health, financial or employment opportunities.

We also wanted to make sure that this project re-invested in the local economy as part of a wider social value objective. So we picked suppliers that are not only innovative and leaders in their field but they also had to be local.

Since project completion, we also applied for Digital Innovation in Fire 2023 Award. We hope that our forward thinking design choices and innovative fire products we installed for the Solihull project will go a long way towards winning the award.

FINGERS CROSSED! SPEAKING OF SUCCESSES WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WERE THE BIGGEST FOR THIS PROJECT?
As I mentioned before, definitely community engagement. We originally thought we would be installing a state of the art sprinkler system to protect our residents and that’s it. Now we understand that fire safety is part of a larger citizen safety piece. And once you connect truly with each resident on one safety element you can join the dots for the others and create a quality place to live where resident feel safe and secure.

The other big success for me was being able to future proof fire safety through the installation of many different fire protection products, including Project Fire’s testing and monitoring system. For residents to be fully protected, sprinklers need to be part of a larger fire protection strategy that complies with the latest regulations and innovations in the industry. Fire safety is a holistic solution, and it is the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure what is provided to residents is compliant and long-lasting.

WE TOTALLY AGREE. AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WERE THE LESSONS LEARNT FOR THIS PROJECT THAT WOULD HELP OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS SUCH AS THIS ONE?
Definitely engage with the community as early as possible. We engaged with them right before the start of the project, but looking back it would have been useful to do it even earlier than that. Mediating between the resident and the fire protection solution was definitely one of the most important roles we had during the project.

I would also say stay open to what the project truly needs and try and achieve that in a realistic way. Always bear in mind that when retrofitting in residential properties there is a huge social responsibility, so resident safety should always be considered number one and everything else comes second.

THANKS STEVE. GLAD TO SEE SOLIHULL COUNCIL IS SO COMMITTED TO ITS RESIDENTS FOR NOT JUST FIRE SAFETY BUT PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING IF YOU WIN THAT AWARD!

Project Fire is invested in developing solutions for both residential and domestic properties that use the latest fire sprinkler technologies protecting buildings and people from fire. For more information on this project or on the innovative fire protection solutions we’re working on contact us here.

Residential zone packages including remote automated sprinkler system testing and monitoring.

With the recent updates to BS 9251:2021 residential sprinkler code standards, we have been working to deliver cost effective residential zone equipment packages developed for use with our range of residential and addressable solutions, offering fully automated sprinkler testing and monitoring.

We now offer Zonecheck Residential with a monitored valve, simplifying ordering and delivery of residential zone equipment. Valves can also be ordered separately as required with CPVC adaptors includes for easy on-site installation.

Residential system solutions

Our residential packages are designed to offer alarm, testing and monitoring equipment required for zones on residential systems, with the option of void or riser installation of Zonecheck with either a standard 15mm valve or a full bore drain and pressure gauge with no loss connector (depending on the systems requirements).

Supplied with either a key-switch for standalone applications or IMM for automated testing and monitoring (requires controller). More on residential zone packages here.

Gaining valuable insight from fire engineers & firefighters

Project Fire recently had the privilege of participating in the Collaborative Fire Authority and Fire Engineering Engagement Day at Burton Fire Station. This event served as an excellent platform to explore critical developments in fire protection and gain valuable insights from fire engineers and firefighters alike. Attendees included representatives from Ramboll, such as Kyle Straccia and Rickesh Miyangar, who were keen to learn and ask questions from the speakers.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Ben Mossop, Senior Fire Engineer at the London Fire Brigade, who offered an in-depth look into the origins of long-established firefighting principles. For instance, the well-known requirement for fire truck turning spaces—historically believed to date back to the era of horse-drawn appliances—remains vital today due to the number of vehicles that typically respond to major incidents. A high-rise fire, for example, may involve seven pump appliances, high-reach ladder units, fire rescue teams, and fire investigation units, along with senior officers. Ensuring adequate manoeuvring space for such a large response team is essential to effective firefighting operations.

A significant case study was presented by Stuart Ruckledge, recently retired from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, who detailed a major warehouse fire that occurred earlier this year. Despite the building’s size of 38,000m²—exceeding the 20,000m² threshold typically requiring automatic sprinkler protection—sprinklers were not installed due to an internal wall dividing the space. This wall ultimately failed during the fire, contributing to an estimated £85 million in damages. Notably, the cost for sprinkler installation, which had been quoted but not implemented, was approximately £1.5 million. This incident underscored the critical role of automatic sprinklers in minimising both property damage and risk to life, a position Project Fire has consistently advocated for.

Other sessions throughout the day included discussions on fire modelling in passenger aircraft, smoke extraction systems in communal areas, and the growing concern around battery technology fires. Attendees also participated in practical demonstrations, including a tour of a new aerial ladder platform (ALP) and an overview of the capabilities of modern fire appliances, which carry 2,000 litres of water. Demonstrations emphasized the importance of reliable water supplies, showing that this amount of water can be exhausted in under three minutes at optimal pressure.

Project Fire extends its thanks to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the team at Burton Fire Station for hosting such an insightful and informative event. The day offered a valuable opportunity to engage with current fire engineering challenges and collaborate with industry professionals dedicated to improving fire safety.

Eco-Zone Technology Pte Ltd has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of sustainable testing in the Asian market. Their recent collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic, a pioneering institution for design based in Singapore now demonstrates Zonecheck as a part of their training school, during the hand over ceremony Mr. Efren Balajadia IBEC (Head of Integrative Built Environment Centre) was delighted to have our sprinkler testing equipment designed into the curriculum at Polytechnic.

The IBEC will now introduce Zonecheck to students, partners and the wider industry to help promote to use of sustainable technologies and reduce carbon footprint of testing and maintaining sprinkler systems.

Our growing network of distributors can be found here.