Sprinklers save flat from major damage after fire in Ilford

Sprinklers saved a flat in Ilford from being severely damaged in a blaze after being activated by flames.

Fire crews were called just after 10.35pm on July 27 to a flat in Ilford Hill.

The blaze started in a ground floor flat and a sprinkler system activated and helped extinguish most of the fire, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the remainder of the fire leaving a small part of the five roomed flat on the ground floor damaged by the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries.

A LFB spokesperson said: “The numbers of buildings in London with sprinklers systems is still very low and we would like to see this increase.

“Automatic Fire Suppression Systems, like sprinklers, alongside other fire safety measures can greatly reduce the impact of fires on people, property, homes and communities.

“Sprinklers are not a luxury – they save lives and also reduce risk to the firefighters who have to tackle the fires.”

The fire was under control by midnight.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Ilford, Stratford and East Ham fire stations.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.