Sprinklers fitted in a high-rise block of flats in Southampton prevented a fire from spreading, fire chiefs say.

Yesterday morning, crews from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Hightown and Beaulieu were called to to a fire at Millbrook Towers.

But, when the first crew was on scene within three minutes of the call, they found that a cooker fire in the kitchen was already out on arrival – thanks to the sprinkler system installed.

It is believed that the fire was on the 21st floor of the block.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service group manager Ben Allen said: “The sprinklers in Millbrook Towers did exactly what these systems are designed to do.

“By confining the fire to one room, the potential for this being a much more significant incident was averted.

“No-one had to be evacuated from the building and we were able to isolate the sprinklers and enter the flat to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and water damage was kept to a minimum.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has worked hard alongside Southampton City Council to ensure that sprinklers have been fitted in all council-owned high-rise buildings across the city.

“This helps to keep firefighters and the community safer and makes a real difference in preventing fires from spreading.”

The fire service also revealed that on April 12, sprinklers activated and suppressed an oven fire on the sixth floor of Copenhagen Tower in Southampton.

A spokesperson added: “Sprinklers are designed to control fires, quickly suppressing before the arrival of firefighters at incidents. Sprinklers will only activate if there is a fire in your flat – they won’t go off accidentally or if you burn your toast or create steam when cooking – and only the sprinkler head closest to the fire is activated."