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Summary is AI-generated, newsdesk-reviewed
  • 93% of commercial fires were extinguished by portable fire extinguishers in 2021.
  • Portable extinguisher use rose from 80% in 2003 to 93% in 2021.
  • Fire safety training, especially for commercial extinguishers, remains invaluable.

A recent survey has revealed that 93% of commercial fires were extinguished by portable fire extinguishers.

British Fire Consortium (BFC), Fire Industry Association (FIA), Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA), and UK Fire Association (UKFA) spoke to businesses across the UK that had experienced fires and it was discovered that the number of fires being successfully extinguished by portable fire extinguishers has increased from 80% in 2003 to 93% in 2021.

Significant discovery

Fire safety training, especially with regard to commercial fire extinguishers, is invaluable

The survey was headed up by Chair of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Services Council, Chubb’s Guy Middleton and it highlighted the increasing role portable fire extinguishers are playing in putting out fires.

Another significant discovery from the new survey was that the contents inside extinguishers have become more efficient since 2003, while the way people use them has become more uniform and intuitive.

However, fire safety training, especially with regard to commercial fire extinguishers, is invaluable.

Commercial fire extinguishers

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 recommends that all premises are provided with appropriate firefighting equipment.

According to BS 5306 part 8, the owner of a commercial premises should install at least two ‘Class A’ fire extinguishers as a minimum on every floor of their building. However, as a rough guide a 13a rated extinguisher usually covers 200 sq. m. of space.

Total Fire Group knows how important it is for both businesses and people to have confidence in the quality of their fire extinguishers. That’s why they provide a complete range of fire extinguishers, all kite marked to BS EN3 and in addition covered by a 5 year warranty.

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