Arsonists warned they will be prosecuted by fire service
Fire chiefs from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have pledged to prosecute any offenders that are found to have started fires in the area deliberately.
A recent prosecution when a man from Paignton, Paul MacLean, 33, was given a one year jail sentence, has led to the renewed warning from the fire service. Mr MacLean admitted he had started the blaze at his mother’s flat on purpose due to amassing gambling debts.
The clampdown on arsonists comes as Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service looks to get tough with those who put people’s lives in danger.
Watch Manager and community safety co-ordinator, Pat Tyler, said:
“Arson is a serious crime which doesn’t only damage property.
“These fires often get completely out of control and members of the public and firefighters have been seriously injured or even killed as a result of arsonists.”
He also explained that the fire service investigates every incident as part of its fire safety policy. He said:
“Our specialist Fire Investigation Officers are well trained and work diligently with the police to examine the cause of fires and we will endeavour to prosecute anyone who commits arson.
“Last week’s sentence at Exeter Crown Court should act as a reminder to everyone that this type of behaviour is not acceptable and those found guilty of arson will be punished.
“It is a good example of fire and police officers working closely together to prosecute those who break the law and endanger lives.”
An email address has been set up by the fire service to receive information about any suspected deliberate fires.
Littleport tyre company denies breach of regulations
A tyre firm in Cambridgeshire charged with failing to uphold the Environmental Protection Act due to a huge blaze which broke out on its premises in August last year has denied the accusation against it.
The fire at Murfitt Industries, off Wisbech Road near Littleport, began on the 21st of August 2009 and lasted until October of the same year due to the fact that over 2,000 tonnes of rubber were involved on 21 August, and burnt until October.
The company has attended Ely Magistrates’ Court to deny they had treated, kept or disposed of controlled waste in a way that was likely to result in pollution or a risk to the health of humans.
The case of Murfitt Industries will be considered by Cambridge Crown Court at a date yet to be decided.
No matter what the outcome of the courts is in this situation it is imperative that all businesses comply with current regulations over fire safety and the use of materials in a factory environment needs to be especially monitored to prevent fires such as this one.
Fire safety training courses are now available, so be sure to consider sending your staff on an appropriate course where they will be educated as to how to implement the right fire safety precautions on the premises.
Faulty pump caused refinery blaze
Initial investigation findings show that the Nynas refinery fire was probably caused by a faulty pump on a distillation unit.
The fire which broke out on 10th November was the latest in a string of fires at the plant. A spokesman for the refinery said “Although the investigation has not yet been completed it seems most likely that the fire was caused by the failure of a pump on the distillation unit in the early hours and this led to failure of the pump’s seal.
The plant remained closed through the investigation to allow for repairs to be carried out but hopes to re open after a risk assessment.
Minister rejects fire safety bill
Torbay MP, Adrian Sanders has spoken of his anger at the Governments attempt to persuade him to drop his proposals for compulsory fire alarms in rented accommodation.
After 4 months of trying, Mr Sanders was finally offered a meeting with Fire Minister, Bob Neill if he agreed to withdraw his appeal.
Mr Saunders has vowed to continue his campaign which follows the deaths of 2 children in a house fire in Ellacombe in 2009. The rented house did not have fire alarms at the time of the blaze.
The Fire Minister has said that making wired in smoke alarms a legal requirement for rented properties would involve a significant cost, and doubted that the obligation was ‘properly and practicably enforceable’.
In regards to discussing the matter further with Mr Sanders, Mr Neill has said “We have not shut the Hon gentleman out of the department, and I greatly hope that he will take up the opportunity to meet me and discuss the matter further.”
Fire crews tackle fire at retail park in Belfast
It has been reported that three stores were badly damaged in a fire at Boucher Retail Park in Belfast last Tuesday morning.
Fire crews were called to the stores in question – Birthdays, JD Sports and Poundstretcher – at around 4am, where it took them a few hours to get the blaze under control.
In total, 17 appliances and 85 firefighters were at the scene, although they were unable to prevent damage to these three retail outlets as well as smoke and water from affecting nine other stores.
Police are now working with a fire service investigation team to determine the cause of the blaze and establish if it was the result of an arson attack.
Assistant Chief Officer Eoin Doyle explained: “The fire appears to have started at Poundstretcher. It also spread to the adjacent properties on either side.”
The situation was said to have been made worse due to the collapse of the Poundstretcher building which meant that safety was of paramount importance.
The work of firefighters was later praised by Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey when he said:
“I commend them for the fearless way that, over many hours, they have tackled the fire, contained it and prevented further damage.
“These 85 firefighters have put their lives on the line to fight this blaze and have done a magnificent job. Thankfully at this stage there have been no reported injuries.”