A portable mist system extinguished a bin fire before it escalated, protecting a vulnerable occupant.
In October 2019, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with East Midlands Housing, conducted a Safe & Well check at a property on Milton Street, Long Eaton. During this check, it was determined that the two occupants of the home were at a significantly higher risk of fire due to their smoking habits and limited mobility. The combination of these factors made it unlikely that they would be able to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire. To mitigate this risk and ensure the safety of the residents, the UltraGuard personal protection system from Surefire was installed. The primary objective was to provide a rapid fire suppression mechanism that could activate automatically, protecting the occupants and preventing the fire from spreading.
The UltraGuard system, known for its advanced fire suppression capabilities, was installed as a self-contained portable misting unit in
the residents’ home. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that cover an entire building, the UltraGuard is designed to protect specific rooms, making it ideal for the living areas where the occupants spent most of their time. The system works by detecting smoke or heat and releasing a fine mist of water to cool the smoke and suppress the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Additionally, it is linked to emergency services, ensuring that firefighters are alerted and dispatched immediately upon activation.
On April 5, 2021, at 02:02 hours, the UltraGuard system activated when
a discarded cigarette ignited a fire in the property. The misting unit
quickly suppressed the flames, extinguishing the fire before it could
cause significant damage or harm to the occupants. This rapid response was crucial in protecting the two residents, who, due to their limited mobility, might not have been able to escape the building unaided.
The successful activation of the UltraGuard system on April 5, 2021,
demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting the high-risk occupants
of the Long Eaton property. The timely suppression of the fire ensured that the two residents were safeguarded from potential harm, allowing them to remain in their home without severe property damage. This incident highlighted the critical role of the UltraGuard system in fire prevention and occupant protection.
The collaboration between Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Housing, and Surefire proved instrumental in enhancing fire safety for vulnerable individuals. The proactive installation of the UltraGuard system following a Safe & Well check underscored the importance of identifying and addressing specific risks associated with smoking and limited mobility. This initiative not only protected the occupants but also reinforced the value of targeted fire safety measures in preventing potentially catastrophic outcomes.
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EA-RS are an excellent contractor with a very good level of service delivery, and always work well under pressure, especially when tight deadlines need to be met. I wouldn’t hesitate in employing them for any future contracts.
EA-RS worked very closely with my team throughout, always striving to exceed expectations, with consistently high levels of workmanship and fire stopping throughout, with a high volume of projects being managed simultaneously and efficiently.
EA-RS have a depth of expertise from a technical point of view. They provide detailed support in relation to Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) compliance. The other companies we’ve used before don’t have the same level of expertise.
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