Eventually, a bespoke sprinkler
system was installed that would
release different-sized water
droplets on different decks, with the
larger, heavier droplets being more
resistant to the wind.
The pipework and sprinkler heads
were positioned with painstaking
care to avoid spoiling the character
of the vessel.
HFRS Group Manager Dave Smith
said: “It is a privilege to work so
closely with the Royal Navy and the
National Museum - and, of course,
the Victory.
“Being from a naval family, I feel a
personal affinity with the ship and as
a firefighter I am extremely proud to
be able to help influence decisions
to ensure its future.
“The sprinkler system will
complement our firefighting
technique should a fire break out.
“We enjoy a close relationship with
the the NMRN and the Royal Navy,
and this gives us the opportunity to
affect fire safety on vessels ranging
from the Victory to its modern-day
equivalents, such as the destroyers.”
Group Manager Smith added
that countries from across Europe
and beyond have contacted the
service to seek advice or ask about
the its pioneering work in this field.
He said: “We are seen as a leading
light. Our work in the field of
maritime fire safety really helps put
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service
on the map.”
“It cannot be put into words how
important the Victory is; it is truly
iconic. It is an overused word but in
this case it is true.
“It is a sole survivor from a bygone
era of sailing, made by the hand of
man.
“Every pipe, head and bracket had
to be signed off to ensure it didn’t
look out of place.
“The best I can say about the
fire protection system is that I
don’t notice it - which is the most
important thing.
“I sleep easier in my bed knowing
this system has been installed. The
Victory came to us having survived
for centuries. It is our job to ensure it
lasts for another 250 years plus.”
Head of Historic Ships at The
National Museum of the Royal Navy,
Andrew Baines, said: “The idea to
provide this kind of specialised fire
protection started after the fire on
the Cutty Sark.
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