Ruthin School, Denbighshire is leading the way after building the first residential facility in North Wales with sprinklers fully installed.

The new build 40 bedroom en-suite residential block for boarding pupils is a showcase of how sprinkler systems should be fitted following the introduction of the a new measure which makes automatic fire suppression systems compulsory in some new and converted residential premises.

On the 1^st January 2016 Wales became the first country in the world where it is mandatory for all new domestic properties to be installed with fire sprinklers meaning that sprinklers are now required in all new build or converted houses, flats, care homes, halls of residence and other residential accommodation designed as an individual's primary residence.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s great to see Ruthin School leading the way and helping to protect its pupils with the provision of this, accommodation with sprinklers fully installed, the first in North Wales.

“Following the introduction of this new legislation, we will be seeing all new buildings of this kind featuring automatic fire suppression systems.

“The legislation is intended to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from fire, improve the safety afforded to firefighters and contribute to the sustainability of new developments.

"We as a Service welcome this legislation as an important step in providing a safer living environment in all new residential accommodation in Wales.

“If you live in a property with a domestic sprinkler you have an enhanced protection from fire and any accidental fire is far more likely to be contained or even extinguished quickly."

Ian Welsby, Vice-Principal at Ruthin School, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our priority – our pupils come first and we will do all that we can to protect them.

“We’re proud to be working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and moving forward to comply with this new legislation.”

Further information about sprinkler systems and how to keep them effective is contained In the guide to fire sprinklers published by Welsh Government. It is available to view on /keeping-you-safe/at-home/sprinklers-(1)?lang=en