THE cost of installing sprinkler systems in Glasgow homes could be slashed by up to 66% if housebuilders back a life-saving campaign, says a Glasgow MSP.

Increased competition would radically drive down costs to fit the water jets in housing association flats and luxury homes, said Frank McAveety.

He spoke out after representatives from a number of leading building firms attended a demonstration in Nitshill, Glasgow, which showed how effective sprinklers are in tackling house fires.

One room, fitted with the jets, was set on fire but it was extinguished within three minutes.

However, an identical fire destroyed a neighbouring property.

Wimpey Homes was among the invited companies at the event and a DVD of the demonstration will be screened to other building firms, developers and housing association officials later this month.

The latest sprinkler systems cost around 1% of the total building cost of a new home.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is spearheading a campaign, backed by the Evening Times, to have the jets fitted as standard in all new homes in Glasgow.

Mr McAveety, Shettleston MSP and chairman of the Scottish Parliament Fire Sprinkler Group, said: "The cost of these systems can be driven down by up to two thirds in the long term.

"Think what a smoke alarm used to cost years ago. You can now pick one up for next to nothing in the supermarket.

"If we keep campaigning and get housebuilders on board the cost of sprinklers will fall dramatically."

New developments with sprinklers include the Matrix, in Cowcaddens, eight residential blocks at Glasgow Harbour, and Anchor Mill in Paisley.

Brian Sweeney, chief officer for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said: "We are working hard to dispel the myths surrounding sprinklers.

"The odds of a jet activating by accident are 16million to one, which is more than winning the National Lottery.

"If we fitted them in two million homes in Scotland, one system would activate accidentally in eight years.

"We are doing all we can to reduce fire deaths, but can only do so much."

Mr Sweeney will join Jeff Ord, Chief Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland, and deputy council leader Jim Coleman when a DVD of the burning demonstration is screened at the City Chambers on June 20.