Sprinkler is the hero at factory fire near Kenilworth

Firefighters were called to the Middlemarch Business Park after the fire - which started at the factory’s oven system - broke out, but they were beaten by the sprinkler, which doused the flames before they arrived.

Deputy chief fire officer Gary Phillips said: “While there was some water damage to the affected area, the fire had been stopped in its tracks, which meant the business could continue working.

“This was a contrasting story to a major retail unit, Dunelm, which is located a neighbouring retail site. Unfortunately there was no happy ending to this story as both the unit and the neighbouring business was completely burnt down.”

He added: “While we have been pushing for domestic sprinklers to be fitted in new builds and commercial and industrial premises here is Warwickshire, I hope that the stark reality of the incident at Dunelm may now make businesses think twice about getting a sprinkler system installed.”

The incident in Baginton occurred on Sunday October 9.

Firms can seek advice regarding fire safety by visiting Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website.