Fire sprinkler system could have saved warehouse building in BedfordshirePublished 03/05/2018

An investigation into a large fire which destroyed much of an established garden centre could have been prevented with the installation of a fire sprinkler system.

The fire took place on the 19 April at B & M Growers in Biggleswade causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and lost business.

The scene at Bedfordshire Growers near Biggleswade during the fire last night. Picture: Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue
The blaze began on the 19th April after a refridgeration unit inside a lorry accidently caught alight in front of the building in Potton, Bedfordshire. The fire quickly took hold and spread to the building and required more than 70 fire fighters to attend.

The investigation, carried out by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, advised businesses against parking vehicles next to buildings as well as to install fire sprinkler systems to prevent such extensive damage.

Group commander and business and commercial safety manager, John Foolkes, said: “Those managing warehouses and other distribution centres are urged to ensure that vehicles are not parked adjacent to or close to property as any fires within these could spread to the main buildings.

“Businesses should also not locate refuse bins or any combustibles close to the building. These should be stored some way from any other buildings to avoid the risk of fire spreading from these.

“As a preventative measure businesses should consider fitting an effective sprinkler system to their buildings as these would have suppressed the fire and kept damage to a minimum.”

For further advice, visit bedsfire.com/CommunitySafety/BusinessFireSafety.

Photo credit: Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service