Welsh Assembly members voted on Wednesday to make the installation of sprinklers compulsory in all new homes in Wales.
A legislative competency order (LCO) introduced by Labour assembly member Ann Jones, has received the backing of cross-party committees in Wales and in Westminster.
The measure now needs to be formally approved in both houses of the Westminster parliament before gaining royal assent.
“This LCO paves the way for a truly groundbreaking measure that will make new homes in Wales safer for generations to come. As they have explored the issue, politicians in Wales and Westminster have seen the overwhelming moral and technical case for sprinkler systems which really do save lives!
“Domestic fire costs the UK economy £7 billion each year and sprinklers can play a key role in bringing this cost down."
Ronnie King, vice-chairman of the National Fire Sprinkler Network, said the vote represented one of the most significant UK fire safety measures in modern times. “It will lead to making Wales the safest place in which to live in the United Kingdom, from the effects of fire, and can be compared to the installation of air bags in cars. In the course of time fire deaths in Wales will be almost eliminated, and the horrific burns injuries reduced by up to 80% because of this wonderful visionary decision taken by the Welsh Assembly government."
