On 29 September a series of fire tests were run in an old apartment building in Bayonne, southwest France.

In the city centre are 500 houses which are more than 200 years old and have a protected status. Unfortunately their design is fundamentally unsafe, with a fire in one apartment able to spread throughout the staircase which forms the only means of escape. In addition, many of the houses are difficult for the fire brigade to access.

Due to their historical significance it is not possible to introduce the compartmentation that current French fire safety regulations require. As an alternative the local fire brigade suggested residential sprinklers. The French laboratory, Efectis, was hired to conduct the tests, which assessed the potential for smoke and heat to spread throughout the building and to what extent a sprinkler system could reduce the risk. The tests came out positive for sprinklers.

Many people came from across France to witness the tests. The EFSN mobile sprinkler demonstration unit was on hand to help explain how sprinklers work. Local press and television ran reports, including this interview with the mayor: Interview with Mayor.

The installer, CLF-Satrem, also produced this video with more technical details: Bayonne fire tests