THE HAMPSHIRE fire chief is calling for sprinklers to be installed in all tower blocks across the UK.

Chief Fire Officer Dave Curry said the sprinkler systems are now “a must” for all high-rise buildings.

It comes a week after a fire at Grenfell Tower killed 79 people, with the death toll expected to rise – and just seven years after two firefighters died in a fire at Shirley Towers.

Mr Curry said: “Having a sprinkler installed is the equivalent of having a firefighter in every room.

“Since Shirley Towers, we have campaigned for the installation of sprinklers in high-rise buildings and I believe that, as a country, must now commit to the installation of these life-saving devices in all high-rise blocks.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said the fire service will be visiting every tower block and offering home visits to any concerned residents.

Now Southampton City Council have said sprinklers systems are due to be fitted in three city blocks with others to be fitted later in the year.

A council spokesperson said: “Albion Towers, Shirley Towers and Sturminster House are prioritised for installation of the sprinkler systems, because of their design.

“Canberra Towers, Redbridge Towers and Millbrook Towers are the tallest council blocks in the city and have been identified as the next priority.

“Work to install a sprinkler system at Albion Towers is scheduled to start next week, and preliminary works have already begun.

“The work to install sprinkler systems at Shirley Towers and Sturminster House is programmed to start over the following few weeks.

“We are finalising the rest of the programme of work with our contractor with a view to starting on Canberra Towers, Redbridge Towers and Millbrook Towers later this year.”

Cllr Letts, left, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Ensuring that our tenants are safe and secure is an important priority as a landlord. I have written to Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, and Royston Smith, Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen requesting their support for funding sprinkler systems in all high-rise council blocks.”

As previously reported external wall insulation has recently been installed in eight tower blocks across the city, with the city council assuring residents that it is “non-combustible, safe and fully certified.”

A series of information sessions have also been set up by council leaders for residents to outline the sprinkler installation programme and reassure residents.