Fitting sprinklers in all new homes would prevent deaths, save the country large amounts of money and reduce the impact of fires on the environment. This was the clear message from a course run by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service last week.

Jeremy, who attended part of the course, said afterwards: “We were shown examples of modern sprinklers which can be fitted unobtrusively in homes. 90% of fires are controlled by just one head and 99% by two. There is no risk of sprinklers being set off by – for instance – the toaster as they are activated by heat and not smoke.

“I support our Fire and Rescue Service’s campaign and welcome the lead which they are showing. The Welsh Assembly Government has already made the fitting of sprinklers in all new homes compulsory. We should consider this in England.”