The operator of a guest house in Somerset has been fined £52,000 after pleading guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Walpole House Limited, which operates Walpole House guest house on Bristol Road near Bridgwater, appeared before Taunton Magistrates’ Court on 19 October. The company was fined £52,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge, alongside prosecution costs of £9,801.90.

Mr Krishnan, a director of Walpole House Limited who also operated a separate sole trader business providing sleeping accommodation at the premises, was prosecuted in connection with that business. He also pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Fire Safety Order and was fined £1,480, with an additional surcharge of £592.

The prosecution followed an inspection by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, which identified significant deficiencies in the fire safety arrangements at the premises.

The severity of the failings resulted in the issuing of a Prohibition Notice, preventing the premises from being used for sleeping accommodation until the necessary remedial works had been completed.

The investigation was initiated following a referral from the local authority.

Significant fire safety deficiencies identified

Fire safety inspectors attended the premises in August 2024 and identified a number of serious breaches of fire safety requirements, including:

• Failure to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
• Absence of an installed fire detection and alarm system.
• Inadequate emergency lighting and insufficient maintenance of existing provisions.
• Incomplete fire doors throughout the premises.
• Inadequate emergency evacuation procedures.
• Absence of appropriate firefighting equipment.

These deficiencies presented significant risks to the safety of occupants, particularly those staying overnight. The absence of adequate fire detection and warning systems, combined with deficiencies in escape provisions, raised serious concerns about occupants' ability to receive timely warning of a fire and evacuate safely.

Breaches of the Fire Safety Order

Both Walpole House Limited and Mr Krishnan pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The offences related to breaches of the following provisions:

Article 8 – General fire precautions: Failure to implement appropriate general fire precautions to protect relevant persons.

Article 9 – Fire risk assessment: Failure to undertake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the fire risks present at the premises.

Article 11 – Fire safety arrangements: Failure to establish effective arrangements for the planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of fire safety measures.

Article 13 – Fire detection, warning and firefighting equipment: Failure to provide suitable fire detection and alarm systems and appropriate firefighting equipment.

Article 14 – Emergency routes and exits: Failure to ensure adequate means of escape, including suitable fire doors and emergency lighting.

Article 15 – Procedures for serious and imminent danger: Failure to establish and implement appropriate emergency procedures and communicate these to relevant persons.

Article 17 – Maintenance: Failure to ensure fire safety measures and equipment were maintained in an efficient state, in working order and in good repair.

Legal responsibility

Fire safety inspector Tony Hickey, who investigated the case on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire safety is not optional. Anyone providing sleeping accommodation has a legal responsibility to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place in order to protect the lives of those staying at their premises.”

Hickey continued: “The failures identified in this case are serious. The prosecution demonstrates that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will take enforcement action where and when those individuals and organisations responsible fail to meet their legal obligations. The consequences of inadequate fire safety can be devastating. Compliance must never be treated as an afterthought.”

Importance of fire safety compliance

The prosecution highlights the importance of ensuring that suitable and sufficient fire safety measures are in place, particularly in premises providing sleeping accommodation, where occupants may be unfamiliar with the building and its escape routes.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons have a legal duty to assess and manage fire risks, implement appropriate fire precautions and ensure that fire safety arrangements are regularly reviewed and maintained.

The case also demonstrates the potential consequences of failing to meet these obligations, including enforcement action, prosecution and substantial financial penalties.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has reiterated its commitment to taking appropriate enforcement action where those responsible for premises fail to comply with their legal fire safety duties.

Effective fire risk assessment, appropriate fire protection measures and ongoing maintenance are essential to protecting lives and ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation.

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