Sprinklers save Park Lane hotel from serious damage
Fire sprinklers helped save the London Hilton on Park Lane from serious damage after a blaze broke out in a bedroom on the hotel's 25th floor, last night.
Some 100 people were evacuated from the 453-bedroom, 28-storey property, but the fire was out by the time the London Fire Brigade arrived shortly before 8pm. Damage was confined to just one bedroom.
A Hilton Worldwide spokesperson said the appreciated the prompt response of the London Fire Brigade, who contained the fire and carried out extensive safety checks.
"A small number of guests were relocated to other floors last night while checks were carried out. The hotel is fully operational today, with the exception of two rooms which will require minor repair works and we are hopeful that they will be reopened soon. An investigation is underway regarding the cause of the fire and we continue to work closely with the authorities during this time. The safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance and the London Hilton on Park Lane continues to ensure all practices and standards are in line with strict safety and security regulations."
Mark Andrews, deputy assistant commissioner of the London Fire Brigade praised the hotel for its good practice in having a reliable sprinkler system in place.
"This fire highlights the clear benefits of sprinklers to businesses like the hotel industry," he said. "There is no doubt that in this case the sprinkler system prevented a more serious fire from spreading into other areas of the hotel and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. The fire successfully activated the sprinklers and it was out before our crews arrived.
"As well as being potentially life-saving devices, sprinklers help with business continuity by minimising disruption and allowing businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible."
It is not the first time that the London Hilton on Park Lane has been impacted by fire. In 2011 a blaze broke out on a basement kitchen which led to the temporary closure of its, Trader Vic's restaurant. No-one was injured, but it took 40 firefighters to bring the fire under control.
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