Cost of fighting fires scrutinised

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 46

Cost of fighting fires scrutinised

PA Wellington The theory that the effective and wide use of automatic fire sprinklers might cut fire-fighting costs will be tested by a study team reviewing the Fire Service.

A consortium comprising Strategos Consulting, Ltd, and M and M Protection Consultants aims to find the best and most economic balance between built-in fire protection in buildings, and firefighting resources. Announcing the contract the Fire Service Commission chairman, Mr Fraser Colman, said it was important the commission had up-to-date information and understanding of trends and technology in fire protection so it could plan the development of the Fire Service. "We must be able to show that the Fire Service is being managed in the best way for sound reasons,” Mr Colman said. “We need to test the. theory that more effective and wider use of automatic fire sprinklers and related technology could be economic and permit a reduced level of expenditure on fire-fighting.” The study team will assess developments in technology, effectiveness, availability and costs of

built-in fire protection, and its use in all types of buildings, including houses. All public and private sector costs are to be quantified and national and community benefits identified. “The study team will go to the United States to see the use of sprinklers and other built-in protection, and forecast developments in the field, and assess any relevance to New Zealand,” Mr Colman said. The project is expected to be completed by November 17.