Opus Homewares fined over B&M Bargains fire safety breach

Discount store chain Opus Homewares has reportedly been fined more than £7,500 after fire safety breaches were found at one of its stores.

The B&M Bargains outlet in Hartlepool’s Highlight Retail Park was found to have breached fire safety regulations a total of five times by blocking emergency exits. The obstructed exits were uncovered following a fire at the premises in September 2009, but Opus Homewares has only now been taken to court over the issue.

Speaking on behalf of Cleveland Fire Brigade, head of fire engineering Barry Waller explained:

“The fire broke out at the front of the store and, after the fire was extinguished by responding fire crews, it was found that several exits were unavailable or obstructed.

“The circumstances found at the time of the incident were such that they seriously compromised the safety of the occupants and that is not something the fire brigade can, or will, condone.

“It is important people realise we take these regulations very seriously and we will take such action whenever necessary.”

For their fire safety failures – which should have been dealt with as part of a fire risk assessment – Opus Homewares was fined a total of £7,500 and ordered to pay court costs of £4,000.