Southwark council has announced plans to install a new ‘linked’ fire alarm system in converted street houses.

The new alarm system aims to prevent a repeat of the fire at Lakanal House in 2009, in which 6 people were killed and twenty others were injured as a fire destroyed a 14-storey tower block.

The alarms are some of the first of their kind in the country and, when activated, will alert residents in nearby properties via an LED controller. The council worked with alarm manufacturers AICO to design the alarm.

Southwark council announced in a press release that ‘Following the tragic events of the Lakanal fire in 2009, Southwark Council immediately took measures to improve fire safety across all its properties, particularly high rises and those with complex layouts, and has installed smoke and heat alarm systems in 106 blocks.’

‘As well as being installed in the homes of around 6,500 council tenants, new alarm systems are also to be offered for free to leaseholders in the converted street properties, high rise and complex layout blocks.’

The press release also included a quote from Cabinet Member for Housing, Richard Livingstone, who said: ‘The horrific fire at Lakanal and the deaths of six residents was a tragedy for the borough. Since the fire we have been working hard to put measures in place to improve fire safety in all our properties and we have been responding to all of the recommendations made by the coroner.’

‘Part of this work is the installation of heat and smoke detection alarms in all our high rise properties. On top of that we are installing our own, specially designed heat and smoke alarms in our converted street properties.’

Fire liaison officer for the London Fire Brigade, Yvonne Drake, said: ‘I would strongly urge residents in Southwark to take up the council’s offer of a linked smoke detection system, particularly in street properties that have been converted into flats where occupants share a front door or stairway, as it offers the earliest possible warning of smoke and fire.’