MP calls for sprinkler move

The campaign is being led by East Sussex Fire Brigade and supported by Richard Kent, whose two sons were tragically killed in a Crowborough house fire in January.

Mr Hendry says his concern has increased following statistics released by the Government in answer to a parliamentary question tabled by him. The figures '“ providing the number of fatal casualties in residential dwellings where fires have happened '“ show that in the last five years 2,465 deaths have occurred where water sprinklers were absent.

In dwellings where sprinklers were present, not a single death has occurred.

Water sprinklers claim a 99 per cent worldwide success rate, and the UKs leading Chief Fire officers believe their introduction nationwide could save 90 per cent of fire deaths in the home.

Mr Hendry said: 'These figures show how effective sprinklers can be in preventing deaths in house fires. The proposal from the fire service and Mr Kent that at least all public buildings and new houses should be required to have water sprinklers installed makes clear common sense.

'I will continue to push the Government to look at the facts and take steps urgently to get more sprinklers installed to avoid further loss of life.'