Water mist systems and sprinkler systems in England: Fire incident statistics 2018 to 2024

Data shows water mist and sprinkler systems limited fire spread

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published statistics showing the effects of water mist and sprinkler systems on primary fires in England between 2018 and 2024.

The data, released on 26 April 2025, covers incidents where active water mist or sprinkler systems were present at the time of the fire.

According to the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the majority of operational sprinkler and water mist systems either extinguished or controlled fires when they activated.

Performance of water mist and sprinkler systems in containing fires

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reported that most primary fires were either extinguished or controlled when water mist or sprinkler systems operated.

It stated that systems that activated generally had a positive impact in managing the fire.

The organisation added that there remained a minority of cases where systems did not fully contain or extinguish the fire.

System location and impact on fire containment

According to the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, sprinkler and water mist systems located in the room of origin of the fire were more likely to limit fire spread.

It reported that system location played an important role in the outcome of fire incidents.

The organisation explained that systems situated further from the fire’s origin were associated with lower effectiveness in fire control.

Causes of poor outcomes in system performance

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that where fire containment was unsuccessful, common factors included fires occurring outside the protected area or faults within the system.

It reported that some outcomes were affected by system coverage limitations.

It added that in a proportion of incidents, the reasons for system failure could not be determined.

Water mist systems and sprinkler systems in England: fire incident statistics 2018 to 2024: Summary

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released fire incident data for England from 2018 to 2024.

The data covered primary fires where water mist or sprinkler systems were installed.

The majority of fires were extinguished or contained when systems operated.

Systems had greater success when located in the room where the fire started.

Unsuccessful outcomes were often linked to system faults or limited coverage.

Some cases did not have a clear cause for system failure.