When the system's heat sensors are activated, it goes off, spewing a combination of fire retardant and water into the air.

Mecklenburg County advises property owners to winterize fire sprinkler systems to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Mr Atkins is director of M&P Fire Protection which maintained the dry riser in Grenfell Tower and the sprinkler systems of surrounding buildings. He told BBC London: "If they'd had a sprinkler ...