A MAJOR fire that could have devastated Winsford Industrial Estate was thwarted – by a sprinkler system.

Fire crews were called to Winsford Industrial Estate around 10:00am on February 19, after a fire broke out in a piece of machinery at Jiffy Packaging.

Luckily, the company’s sprinkler system activated, ensuring the fire was confined to the machine.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention and protection, Keith Brooks, said: “The fire was contained by two sprinkler heads from the company’s system which activated in the relevant zone and prevented the fire from spreading to other areas.

“This meant that firefighters just needed to use a hose reel jet to completely extinguish the fire in the machine.”

After firefighters put out the blaze inside the machine using a hose reel jet, they inspected the connected ducting using height safety equipment and a thermal imaging camera.

Staff had evacuated the building, but was allowed back inside as soon as the firefighters confirmed the fire was extinguished.

Mr Brooks added: “Had there been no sprinkler system installed the damage could have been much greater.

“In similar cases we have seen incidents that needed up to ten fire engines in attendance for extended periods.

“This incident could have resulted in much more serious damage from which companies very rarely recover.

"Having a sprinkler system has certainly kept this company in business.”