In a “landmark decision”, Fife Council has agreed to enhance fire safety across its high-rise housing stock by approving a plan to install retrofit water-based sprinkler systems in all flats, subject to successful evaluation
The decision was made at a Cabinet Committee meeting held on 4 December 2025, following a joint report recommending the retrofit programme by the Head of Housing Services, John Mills, and the Head of Property Services, Alan Paul.
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the council undertook “extensive improvements” at all 12 of its tower blocks, including the installation of water-based sprinkler systems within the ground floor and communal areas. While, at the time, it was not deemed necessary to install sprinkler systems in each flat, “continued assessment of fire safety arrangements” has led to a change in position:
“The Council recognises that our Tower Blocks are essentially safe places to live following the extensive improvements carried out immediately following the Grenfell tragedy. However, the Council’s aspiration is to continue to improve fire safety standards to reach the Gold Standard,” the report stated.
The Committee agreed that the retrofit programme would begin with all flats at Swan and Memorial Courts, Methil, at an estimated cost of £1.14 million, as a “Test of Change”. Following the successful evaluation of this, the programme would be extended to the remaining ten council-controlled tower blocks over the next five years.
It was also agreed that owners in tower blocks should not be charged for the cost of the installation of sprinklers as it was “primarily a health and safety matter for the council as landlord and majority owner in the twelve tower blocks”.
Retrospective sprinkler installations in existing residential buildings are not a legal requirement in Scotland. However, the council report referred to a technical assessment carried out by fire safety consultants Arup, who backed the retrospective installation of sprinklers or water mist systems, as it “would provide significant benefits to life safety and provide particular protection for vulnerable occupants, especially where existing fire safety provisions are limited”.
They would also offer an “additional layer of protection to compensate for unknowns and potential deficiencies in the existing construction in high-rise buildings”, Arup said.
The proposal was welcomed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who said in a statement of support: “We would recommend that such systems are designed and installed in accordance with British Standard BS 9251, current edition or equivalent.
“The realisation of this proposal will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the life safety of occupants, reducing the severity of fire events, operational demand, and mitigate against any unquantified risks in properties.”
The initial investment of £1.14 million for the Methil blocks will be met through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Plan, with a further £6 million required for the remaining blocks.
Mills noted in the council report that it was “inconsistent on safety grounds to exclude retrofitting sprinklers in existing high-rise buildings, particularly those with uncertain or degraded fire protection”.
He concluded: “The retrofitting of sprinklers is a significant commitment to reach the gold standard in terms of fire mitigation works for tower blocks in Fife. It is a significant financial commitment but provides an additional level of reassurance to the Council and to its tenants that we have taken every step to eliminate the risk of fire injury.”
Commenting on the Cabinet Committee decision, housing spokesperson, Councillor Judy Hamilton, said: “This is a major investment in safety and resilience. While the tower blocks are safe and fully comply with regulations and the findings of the Grenfell Part 1 Inquiry, these additional measures will further protect lives and modernise our housing stock.
"There is currently no legal requirement to retrofit sprinklers in existing high-rise buildings, but we know that retrofitting sprinklers is a practical, proven measure that will give residents confidence in the safety of their homes for decades to come.”
"This decision reflects our determination to go beyond minimum standards and set a benchmark for fire safety in Scotland. It’s about reassurance, responsibility, and doing the right thing for our communities."