As a result of a recent prosecution, the importance of fire safety and and having an up to date fire risk assessment has been highlighted again by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Nottingham Crown Court.
A press release dated 26th November 2018 shows the case of a Nottingham hotel owner who has £20,000 in costs and a 6 month prison sentance for breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The hotel owner had repeatably failed to comply with an Enforcement Notices at his unsafe premises.
A fire risk assessment had been carried out and a fire risk assessment report produced, but Judge MacAdam said that the owner had shown a wilful disregard for fire safety laws and continued to profit whilst placing hotel residents at risk.
In addition , The Judge said that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary as “The message must go out – fire kills,” and because the owner had been given, “so many warnings on so many occasions.”
Group Manager Andy Kelly,Head of Fire Protection for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We welcome and support the comments of Judge MacAdam.
“Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service does and will always seek to work with and support business owners to make sure that they keep their premises, guests and employees safe.
“However, staff, members of the public and visitors using premises within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire should feel reassured that they can do so safely.
“We hope that sentences such as these confirm to the public that we do take fire safety matters very seriously, and that we are committed to creating safer communities for us all to enjoy.”
Always ensure your fire risk assessment is up to date, especially if you have had building alterations or extensions carried out. If there are problems that show up following a fire risk assessment, our fire risk survey officers will be happy to liaise with you as a valued customer, and the local fire officer if necessary.