A NEW law requiring all new Welsh homes to be fitted with sprinkler systems has reached a step closer.
The draft Domestic Fire Safety LCO (Legislative Competence Order) was approved last week by the National Assembly for Wales.
The new legislation will now be laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State for Wales, and will be considered by both Houses of Parliament.
If approved by both Houses and given Royal Assent, direct law making powers will be devolved to the Assembly within the scope of the order.
Simon Smith, Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, speaking on behalf of all three Fire and Rescue Services in Wales, claimed, if passed, the new legislation would have a ‘massive’ impact and save the Welsh economy millions of pounds.
He said: “This legislation could well be the biggest progression in fire safety in decades and save the lives of countless Welsh families.
“We are doing all that we can to educate residents about fire safety, but frustratingly our messages are not always getting through.
“Automated fire sprinklers offer excellent protection to individuals involved in a fire.”
Vale of Clwyd Assembly Member Ann Jones, a former fire service worker herself, has pushed for sprinklers to become an everyday fixture in all new-build homes in Wales.
She said: “As I said from the outset, this is common sense legislation - which is why it enjoys the support of, amongst others, Wales’ Fire Services, Wales TUC, the Welsh Assembly Government and every political party in Wales.
“Far too many lives are lost to domestic fire in Wales and I will be proud to live a country that says no more to the personal and financial devastation this causes. Sprinklers really do act as a fire fighter in the home, ready and waiting 24/7.”