Gold award win for pioneering fire protection system safeguarding Chester’s historic Rows

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, is celebrating national recognition after winning Gold in the Innovation in Public Sector Award at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards in Westminster.

The award recognises the pioneering installation of an aspirating smoke detection system on Chester’s world‑famous Rows, the first time early‑warning technology of this kind has been applied to an outdoor historic site in the UK. The project was delivered through close collaboration between the council, heritage specialists, and the Protection Department at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

In January, the system proved its value when it quickly detected smoke from a fire more than 100 metres away at a commercial premises on Music Hall Passage. Although the blaze had also been reported via a 999 call, the aspirating system alerted crews and had the fire occurred at night, the system may well have provided the first warning - demonstrating its potential to safeguard the Rows when they are at their most vulnerable.

Steve McCormick, Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are incredibly proud to see this innovative project recognised on a national stage. The system installed on the Rows brings together cutting‑edge technology and expert heritage protection, providing a level of early‑warning fire detection never before achieved on a historic site like this. This award is a testament to the dedication of all partners involved, including our Technical Fire Safety Heritage Officer, James Scott, whose work has been fundamental to the project’s success.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I’m delighted that the introduction of our Aspirating Smoke Detection system is not only helping to protect the Chester Rows, but the technology and innovation could play a part in protecting many more heritage sites across the country. The new system plays a vital role in our fire protection action plan. Winning this gold award will help to showcase the system to far more sites. Congratulations to the many people involved in developing, installing and running the new system.”

The project was made possible through collaboration with Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection Specialists, Donald Insall Associates, Recclesia, and a range of specialist consultants. It was part‑funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The system is now being viewed as a potential model for heritage fire protection across the UK, with interest from other councils and conservation bodies.