Suspicious blaze causes evacuations of Burnley businesses
It has been reported that a number of businesses had to be evacuated on Saturday night after a fire ripped through a row of derelict houses in Accrington Road, Burnley.
Fire crews were called to the scene at around 2230 GMT where fire had already caused substantial damage to the 10 houses on the street, formerly known as Woodville Terrace.
It took around 40 firefighters from East Lancashire services to combat the flames which tore through the houses.
The businesses which had to be evacuated due to the fire included Dixy’s Chicken takeaway, Lifestyle Express, Mainline Taxis, and the Spar. The road also had to be cordoned off due to the unsafe nature of the structures.
An investigation has already been launched into the blaze, which is understood to have been started at the end of the block in an old bicycle store.
The police have now appealed for witnesses to come forward as the fire is being treated as suspicious.
Speaking on behalf of Burnley Police, Inspector Nick Hodgeson said:
“The cause of the fire is unknown at the moment and we are keeping an open mind.
“We would appeal for anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area on Saturday night to come forward.”
Fire safety is an important consideration for universities
A number of recent incidents in educational institutions such as the false alarms and electrical short circuits in halls of residences at Bangor University only serve as another reminder of the importance of fire safety on these premises.
And with the new influx of students to university throughout the UK it is more crucial than ever to think about the safety on campus and in student residencies.
Speaking about the misuse of North Wales firefighters’ time due to these kinds of situations, Eilian Roberts, watch manager at Bangor Fire Station, has warned:
“We expect some false alarms at the beginning of a new term as people settle in their residence, but we are concerned about repeated false alarms that tie up our resources and are particularly keen to prevent more serious incidents.”
There is also the issue of arson as many educational establishments are targeted by those who set fires deliberately. This is why a Fire Safety in Educational Premises course is vital for those who work in education.
Arson reduction measures and fire safety procedures are therefore necessary on university property and training is required to help people understand more about fire safety and what can be done around campus.
Hotel found guilty of putting guests at risk
Westminster Magistrates have found a London hotel guilty of breaching fire regulations.
Concerns were raised by guests staying at the Paddington hotel and an investigation by London Fire Brigade revealed that the hotel had failed to carry out a sufficient or suitable fire risk assessment which is a requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Officers also found emergency exits were blocked and fire doors wedged open.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty but were fined heavily. Owners Awan Investments were ordered to pay £27,000 and hotel manager, Malik Mohammed Bashir paid £5000.
Steve Turek, London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for the fire safety regulation said “The general public should feel safe from fire when they are staying at a hotel and the responsible person must make sure their premises comply with the regulations.
New Dearne Valley fire station to open this week
It has been revealed that Dearne Community Fire Station, a £5.5 million venture to replace two former stations, is to open officially on Friday.
The Manvers Way, Rotherham site was chosen to make up for the losses of stations in Brampton Mexborough.
The new station, which holds four fire engines, allows fire crews swift access to local communities in the area.
Chief fire officer of the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We are delighted with our new purpose-designed building here in Dearne. The facilities offer an excellent base for the firefighters who provide the community with a first-class emergency response service.
“It not only offers considerable operational benefits and community facilities but its environmental features will greatly increase the sustainability of this important building for decades to come.”
Speaking about the new 3.5 acre station, South Yorkshire Fire Authority chairman, Jim Andrews, said:
“This is a significant development for the people within the Dearne Valley.
“The new station will not only provide first-class facilities for the community, but give the fire service the means to meet our targets in emergency response times for this part of South Yorkshire.
“Providing our firefighters with the most modern facilities will ultimately facilitate a first-class service the public deserve.”
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