FIRE chiefs are stepping up a campaign to persuade Greater Manchester schools to install sprinkler systems after an arson attack damaged 14 classrooms.

They believe action must be taken before a child or teacher is killed.

In the past five years there have been more than 600 fires at the county's 2,500 local authority-owned schools.

Among the latest was one started deliberately, at Smithills High School in Bolton on New Year's Eve. It began in a ground-floor room and caused damage by smoke, fire and water to 14 rooms.

Last year the highest number of school fires was in Wigan, with 17, followed by Bolton, with 14. There was a total of 96 fires in council-owned schools, of which 40 per cent were arson.

But the figure for all educational establishments, including nurseries, universities and private schools, was 164.

Essential

Later this month, the fire service will stage a seminar in conjunction with Tyco Fire and Integrated Solutions to highlight arson perils in schools, emphasising the benefits of sprinklers. Headteachers and education bosses are invited.

Assistant county fire officer Steve Beckley said: "We believe sprinklers in schools are essential as they can minimise disruption and damage and potentially save lives.

"The 96 school fires in Greater Manchester last year cost millions, but the cost to society in terms of disruption, loss of education time, loss of valuable course work for students, time finding alternative facilities and unexpected child care costs for parents is even greater."
Cost has prevented many schools from installing sprinklers, but it is estimated that a system costs about 1.8 per cent of the total building cost of a new school.

However, installing one in an existing school is more expensive.

Schools prefer to rely on CCTV and security guards, but an increasing number of fires are occurring during the day when premises are occupied.

In July, 2002, an arsonist set fire to worktops which had been placed under a stairwell, contrary to fire regulations, at Moorside High School in Swinton.

The stairs led to a first-floor classroom where children were being taught, and the only escape route was downstairs through the smoke.

More than 30 children needed medical treatment after the fire. Salford council was later fined £5,000 after admitting failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Access

In 2003, Salford opened its first secondary school for decades - Albion High in Charlestown - which was not fitted with sprinklers.

But two high schools due to be built to replace the existing Harrop Fold in Little Hulton and Buile Hill in Pendleton are scheduled to have systems. Antony Edkins, head at Harrop Fold, said: "I understand that disabled access, a sprinkler system, and safe areas where people with disabilities can go in the event of a fire will all be included. I will certainly insist that they are."

Both Oldham and Bolton councils have adopted a policy of installing sprinklers in all new schools.

Nationally, about 20 schools a week are damaged by fire. In 2004, the estimated cost was £83m.

In 1997, Abraham Moss High School in Manchester was destroyed by fire and cost £6m to rebuild.

In 2004, the Local Government Association said it should be mandatory for new schools to have a sprinkler system fitted as a start to protecting all buildings.

* The sprinkler seminar will be held at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service training centre next to Manchester Central fire station in Thompson Street on January 31, 9am to 1pm.