Sign the online petition here | Related page: More information about sprinklers

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service supports the fitting of sprinklers in new homes as they are built.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Jones is urging people to sign an online petition, which could be debated in Parliament if it receives enough support by the deadline of Wednesday 8 August 2012.

Mark said: “There is a perfect storm of fire-risk factors approaching, including an ageing population and more independent living for people with special needs.

“This combination may cause an increase in the number of people who will die in accidental house fires in coming years.

“Let’s not wait another 25 years for evidence to say we should have introduced the widespread fitting of sprinklers. At current rates, government figures show that a further 8,000 people will have died in fires in that time and 185,000 could have been seriously injured.

“Wales has already introduced legislation which will see all new-build domestic properties fitted with sprinklers as standard. It’s time England followed suit.

“We’d urge the people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to push this issue with their local councillors, planning authorities and MPs.”

Mark is encouraging local people to pledge their support for the campaign by signing an online petition. If it receives the backing of 100,000 people it could be debated in Parliament. To sign the petition, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/4409