A fire service is calling on the Government to enforce the use of sprinklers in new buildings and large-scale properties.

East Sussex Fire Authority (ESFA) is lobbying Westminster to make it a legal requirement to fit sprinkler systems in premises where “risk to life and loss of property from fire are most significant”.

East Sussex County Councillor Phil Howson, chair of the Fire Authority, said the “greatest impact” of installing fire sprinklers was likely to occur in schools, residential care homes, premises housing highly vulnerable residents and certain large commercial properties.

The ESFA claims sprinklers can significantly help reduce death and injury from fire, reduce risk for firefighters, protect property and heritage and reduce the effects of arson.

Councillors at Lewes District Council successfully petitioned a motion last week that saw a unanimous decision in favour of the authority agreeing to install sprinklers in all new-build council properties.

The council is also considering installing sprinklers in refurbished council-owned homes that are occupied by those with restricted mobility, though only “if finances allow”, and will actively promote the installation of sprinklers in any buildings - even if they are not required to be installed by building regulation or planning rules.

Existing building regulations say high-rise buildings over 30m in height, or large warehouse buildings in excess of 20,000m3, require sprinklers as standard.

Lewes District Councillor Carolyn Lambert said: “I am delighted the council has agreed to support this important proposal.

“As a member of the fire authority, I am very aware of the importance of fire prevention work.

“There have unfortunately been eight fatal fires in Lewes District in the last 10 years, and in the majority of these cases, domestic sprinkler systems could have made a difference to the tragic outcome.”

Brighton and Hove City Council said the ESFA hadn't been in contact over the use of sprinklers.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to fire safety and in regular dialogue with ESFRS about fire safety issues, however, they haven't raised this particular issue with us.

“Should they do so we will be happy to discuss it with them.”