IWMA: Water mist systems record higher control and extinguishment rates in England
Iain Hoey
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Performance across primary fires in England
The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) reported that water mist systems controlled 95.3 per cent of fires and extinguished 58.6 per cent across more than 4,000 incidents in England from 2018 to 2024, according to data from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The data shows that traditional sprinkler systems managed fire control in 90.7 per cent of cases and achieved extinguishment in 27.6 per cent.
This comparison highlights the differing outcomes of two suppression technologies under real-world conditions.
Results in residential settings
The IWMA stated that residential installations saw near-identical extinguishment rates of around 37 per cent for both water mist and sprinkler systems.
The association added that water mist achieved a control rate of 95.8 per cent in homes, compared with 91.4 per cent for sprinklers.
This suggests both technologies deliver consistent performance where lives and property are most at risk.
System reliability and fault analysis
The IWMA noted that system fault rates remained under 3 per cent for both technologies.
It stated that water mist systems experienced faults in 2.9 per cent of incidents and sprinklers in 1.9 per cent.
Most failures occurred when fires began outside the protected zone or due to known equipment faults.
IWMA initiatives to enhance performance
The association said it will update its guidelines to improve design and installation practices.
It explained that new training programmes will focus on maintenance quality and correct system coverage.
Max Lakkonen, President of the IWMA, said: “We have confirmed what professionals already know—that well-designed suppression systems save lives.”
Mr Lakkonen added: “Water mist’s edge in performance, combined with its low water usage, makes it a powerful fire safety solution.”
He continued: “This is good news for the entire fire protection sector. Both systems work.
“With smarter design and better training, performance will only keep improving.”
Water mist systems record higher control and extinguishment rates in England: Summary
The International Water Mist Association reported that water mist systems controlled fires in 95.3 per cent of cases and extinguished them in 58.6 per cent between 2018 and 2024.
Data from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government showed sprinkler systems controlled fires in 90.7 per cent of cases and extinguished them in 27.6 per cent.
In residential settings, both suppression technologies achieved extinguishment rates of around 37 per cent.
The IWMA stated that water mist systems had a residential fire control rate of 95.8 per cent compared with 91.4 per cent for sprinklers.
System fault rates were recorded at 2.9 per cent for mist and 1.9 per cent for sprinklers.
Most faults resulted from fires originating outside the protected area or from pre-existing faults.
The association said it will issue updated design guidelines and training initiatives to enhance system performance.
Max Lakkonen, President of the IWMA, said that evidence-based improvements will benefit the fire protection sector.
