Investigators rule sprinklers could have 'contained' Luton Airport fire
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have revealed a long-awaited and comprehensive report into the major fire, on October 10th 2023
Last updated 9th Oct 2024
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) has released a detailed report regarding the significant fire that erupted at Luton Airport nearly a year ago, on October 10, 2023.
The report outlines the scale of the operation to combat the blaze, which began in Terminal Car Park 2, emphasizing key findings and recommendations for future safety measures.
The fire originated from a diesel vehicle and quickly spread to numerous others, ultimately engulfing around 1,352 cars.
A approximately 20:42 a red Range Rover Sport arrived at the ticket barrier of Terminal Car Park 2. As the vehicle stopped at the barrier, CCTV footage captured light smoke emanating from the nearside of the engine compartment.
Despite the warning signs, the driver continued into the car park and proceeded to the third floor, where visible flames were seen coming from the front of the vehicle. They then exited the vehicle and called 999.
The fire quickly escalated, with flames spreading to surrounding vehicles due to the open-sided design of the car park and the presence of combustible materials.
Within minutes, the blaze engulfed approximately 25 cars, prompting an emergency call to the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at 20:47.
The rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by running fuel and strong winds, ultimately resulting in extensive damage to Terminal Car Park 2 and threatening nearby structures.
As the fire developed, firefighters faced significant challenges in containing the flames. By the time the first units arrived at 20:57, the fire had already engulfed a substantial portion of the car park.
The incident escalated quickly, leading to a major incident declaration when it was confirmed that around 80 percent of the third floor was involved in the fire.
Sprinkler Systems
The report highlights that “the car park was designed and built to meet a relevant standard and performed in the fire in a manner consistent with its design.” However, it emphasizes that “Terminal Car Park 2 did not have a sprinkler system or other automatic fire suppression system installed.”
It further states that if a suitable sprinkler system had been installed, it “may have changed and delayed the pattern of fire spread increasing the chances of a successful outcome once firefighting operations had begun.”
Research cited in the report demonstrates the effectiveness of sprinkler systems, noting that they have contained, controlled, or extinguished fires in “95% of cases.”
Since 2019, Bedfordshire FRS has routinely promoted the installation of sprinkler systems through planning processes and building regulations consultations.
The report urges that “a change in guidance and legislation at a national level should be considered to make automatic fire suppression systems...mandatory in all new open-sided multi-storey car parks.”
The fire caused extensive damage to vehicles and resulted in the temporary closure of one of the UK’s busiest airports.
Fortunately, due to the rapid response of the fire service, “no members of the public were seriously injured,” and operations at Luton Airport were able to resume the following day.
Firefighters from Bedfordshire FRS, along with crews from neighbouring fire services, worked throughout the night to contain the blaze.
Their efforts focused on preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent structures, including the Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) station and nearby aircraft. The report states that the coordinated response among multiple agencies was critical in safeguarding these assets.
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer of London Luton Airport
“We welcome the findings of the report, which highlights the efforts of the airport fire service and our wider team. We continue to work closely with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and all agencies in relation to this incident. We are grateful for their response to the incident, and for the understanding shown by our passengers and business partners. Construction on a new car park is underway, which includes plans for a fire suppressant system.”