Gold Innovation award recognises Chester Rows fire detection project
Iain Hoey
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Innovation award recognises Chester Rows fire detection project
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire West and Chester Council have won Gold in the Innovation in Public Sector Award at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards in Westminster for a fire protection system installed on Chester’s historic Rows.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that the project installed an aspirating smoke detection system across the outdoor heritage site, marking the first use of this type of early warning technology at an outdoor historic site in the UK.
The work involved collaboration between the council, heritage specialists and the Protection Department at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
In January, the system detected smoke from a fire at a commercial premises on Music Hall Passage more than 100 metres away.
The blaze had also been reported through a 999 call.
The early alert demonstrated how the system could provide warning if a fire occurred at night, when the Rows are more exposed.
Project partners and national recognition
The installation was carried out with Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection Specialists, Donald Insall Associates, Recclesia and specialist consultants, with part funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Steve McCormick, Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are incredibly proud to see this innovative project recognised on a national stage.
“The system installed on the Rows brings together cutting edge technology and expert heritage protection, providing a level of early warning fire detection never before achieved on a historic site like this.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of all partners involved, including our Technical Fire Safety Heritage Officer, James Scott, whose work has been fundamental to the project’s success.”
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I’m delighted that the introduction of our Aspirating Smoke Detection system is not only helping to protect the Chester Rows, but the technology and innovation could play a part in protecting many more heritage sites across the country.
“The new system plays a vital role in our fire protection action plan.
“Winning this gold award will help to showcase the system to far more sites. Congratulations to the many people involved in developing, installing and running the new system.”
The system is now being considered by councils and conservation bodies as a possible approach for heritage fire protection at other sites.