FIRE crews in Dorset are urging businesses to install sprinklers to prevent fires as part of a national campaign.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is supporting the Sprinkler Week campaign from the National Fire Chiefs Council, which ends on May 23.

The campaign raises awareness of the benefits of sprinkler systems, which are the most effective method of reducing the spread of fires in their early stages.

A spokesman from DWFRS said: "There's a compelling case to be made for sprinklers in any commercial premises on the basis of loss of production or interruption to business.

"It is recognised that 85 per cent of small and medium size businesses that suffer a serious fire either never recover or cease trading within 18 months.

"The installation of sprinklers in these types of premises could prevent this loss, and fewer businesses would be forced to relocate or close."

Despite this, there is some disparity in building regulations and the requirement for sprinkler systems across the UK.

Legislation in Wales and Scotland is stricter across many building types than in England and Northern Ireland, and this is something NFCC is asking the Government to remedy.