As fire safety remains at the forefront of building regulations and public concern, February 2025 brought several key developments in the UK related to fire sprinklers — spanning policy changes, notable installations, and ongoing debates. Here’s a complete roundup of everything you need to know from the past month.
1. Government Confirms Consultation on Mandatory Sprinklers for Smaller Residential Blocks
In a long-anticipated move, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) officially launched a public consultation on lowering the threshold for mandatory fire sprinkler installations in residential buildings.
Currently, buildings over 11 metres (approximately four storeys) require sprinkler systems. The consultation proposes reducing this to seven metres, following pressure from fire safety campaigners and professional bodies such as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
If passed, this could see thousands of new developments, particularly mid-rise apartment blocks, required to integrate sprinkler systems as standard. The consultation runs until April 30, 2025.
Quote: “Lowering the threshold reflects the reality of modern fire risks in densely populated residential settings,” said a DLUHC spokesperson. See more on Residential Fire Sprinklers
2. Record Growth in Sprinkler Installations Across Social Housing
New data released by the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) shows a 35% year-on-year increase in sprinkler installations across social housing schemes in England and Wales.
This surge is largely driven by local authority initiatives in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where retrofitting high-risk and vulnerable resident housing stock has become a top priority following Grenfell recommendations.
Notably, Leeds City Council announced the completion of a £12 million retrofit programme covering 15 residential towers, with full sprinkler coverage now active in over 3,000 homes.
Council Comment: “Sprinklers save lives — and this investment ensures some of our most vulnerable residents are better protected,” said Cllr Helen Turner, lead for Housing and Communities. See more on Residential Fire Sprinklers
3. First School in Scotland Fully Retrofitted with Sprinklers Opens
February saw the reopening of St. Andrew’s Primary School in Glasgow, the first existing school in Scotland to undergo a full sprinkler retrofit following the 2023 Scottish Government directive aimed at improving fire safety in educational settings.
The project, completed in partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, highlights growing momentum behind calls to ensure all new and existing schools are sprinkler-protected.
Education Secretary Statement: “Every child deserves a safe learning environment — and sprinklers are a critical part of that commitment,” said Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.
4. Industry Alarmed by Sprinkler Omission in New Build-to-Rent Developments
Despite broader momentum, February also brought controversy as it was revealed that several high-profile build-to-rent developments in London and Bristol were granted planning permission without sprinklers, due to current loopholes in Building Regulations.
Fire safety experts and campaigners, including Inside Housing, have raised alarms, citing a “two-tier safety system” where private rental tenants are less protected than social housing residents.
Expert View: “We can’t have a system where safety is dictated by the type of tenancy — sprinklers should be universal,” said Paul Fuller, NFCC Chair.
Calls are growing for urgent regulatory reforms to address this gap, especially as build-to-rent continues to expand rapidly across urban centres.
See more on Domestic Fire Sprinklers
5. Research Breakthrough: “Smart Sprinklers” on the Horizon
Finally, February saw groundbreaking research from the University of Sheffield on the development of AI-integrated “smart sprinklers” capable of targeted water discharge and real-time fire behavior analysis.
The technology, which uses thermal imaging and AI algorithms, aims to improve response efficiency, reduce water damage, and potentially allow for early-stage suppression before fires grow uncontrollable.
While still in prototype phase, the research team hopes to pilot the system in commercial buildings later this year.
Lead Researcher Comment: “This could redefine how we think about sprinkler activation — moving from reactive to intelligent response,” said Dr. Aisha Rahman, lead engineer on the project.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch in March 2025
Response to the government’s sprinkler threshold consultation — industry bodies are expected to submit their formal positions.
Possible updates on retrofitting in NHS buildings, following calls for mandatory sprinklers in all hospitals.
Anticipated launch of a new national sprinkler awareness campaign ahead of Fire Sprinkler Week 2025 in May.
Final Thoughts
February 2025 has made clear that while progress on sprinkler safety continues, gaps remain — particularly around regulation consistency and protection for all types of housing. With new technologies and policy shifts on the horizon, fire sprinklers remain a vital and evolving part of the UK’s fire safety landscape.
Stay tuned for next month’s update for ongoing coverage of fire protection news.
