In a recent incident that underscores the critical importance of fire safety measures, a fire broke out in the communal kitchen of a student accommodation block in Lenton, Nottinghamshire.
The blaze, which occurred on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, was caused by an air fryer malfunction. As the fire began to spread, the building’s sprinkler system activated promptly, containing the flames and preventing further damage.
Firefighters from London Road and Highfields Fire Stations responded to the call, arriving shortly before 10 pm. By the time they reached the scene, all occupants had been evacuated, and one individual was treated on-site for smoke inhalation.
This incident marks the fourth time in the past year that a sprinkler system has successfully mitigated a fire in Nottinghamshire student accommodations, highlighting the vital role these systems play in modern buildings.
Group Manager Chris Emmott, who attended the scene, emphasized the effectiveness of sprinklers, stating, “Sprinklers are one of the most effective methods of fire protection, offering automatic activation to suppress fires before they spread.”
He further noted that the presence of a working sprinkler system was instrumental in ensuring a swift resolution to the incident, preventing what could have been a far more severe situation. In light of this event,
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a reminder about kitchen fire safety, especially concerning the use of popular appliances like air fryers.
Users are advised never to leave such devices unattended during operation, ensure they are placed in well-ventilated areas away from overhead cabinets, avoid overfilling, clean them after each use, and refrain from plugging them into extension leads.
Emmott also urged individuals to prioritize personal safety over attempting to extinguish fires themselves, advising, “Never fight a fire yourself – get out, stay out, and call 999.” This incident serves as a compelling reminder of the life-saving potential of sprinkler systems and the necessity of adhering to fire safety practices in communal living environments.
