In the Tyne Tunnels, there is a Fixed Fire Suppression System in each tunnel, which can be activated automatically by SCADA, a system that controls and monitors the status of all other systems and equipment, which then alerts the control room.
The Fixed Fire Suppression System was the first of its kind to be installed in a British tunnel, and was a strong desire by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. It can target up to three fire zones at once: the affected zone and one on either side. There is a water tank located in the South Extract Building, capable of shifting water at 45 litres per second, which supplies the system and is capable of containing a fully laden HGV fire.
There are 33 MIST pumps, which support the MIST system when it is activated. Through the tunnels, there are 12km of pipe work just for the MIST system!
In the South Extract Building, there is a water tank, which is 200 cubic metres and supplies both the MIST and fire fighting system for both tunnels, it is also backed up by a 54 cubic metres tank at the North Extract Building.
Each fire zone is located differently in each tunnel, but positioned to contain the affected area, and a zone on either side of it.