Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has successfully prosecuted a landlord and his company following serious fire safety failings identified at two residential properties, which placed occupants at significant risk.

At Preston Crown Court on 28 September, Jamie Carter and JC Land Investments Limited were sentenced after admitting multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Carter pleaded guilty to 11 offences, while JC Land Investments Limited pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to fire safety failings at Belgrave Chapel in Darwen and Victoria Hall in Bacup.

Fire safety officers from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service inspected Victoria Hall in October 2021, identifying significant deficiencies in the fire safety measures in place. An Enforcement Notice was subsequently issued.

Four weeks later, a Prohibition Notice was issued in relation to Belgrave Chapel after officers identified further serious fire safety concerns.

Both premises were occupied at the time of the inspections. The deficiencies identified had the potential to prevent residents from escaping quickly and safely in the event of a fire.

The offences included failures to:

• take adequate fire safety precautions to protect tenants
• carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments
• provide and maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems
• ensure occupants could evacuate the premises safely
• maintain effective fire evacuation procedures
• comply with Enforcement and Prohibition Notices
• implement effective fire safety management arrangements.

Among the deficiencies identified by fire safety officers were obstructed escape routes, damaged fire doors, missing fire-resisting glazing and inadequate fire detection measures. Fire alarm systems were also found to have been switched off or without power.

Guilty pleas entered

Following its investigation, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service prosecuted Carter and JC Land Investments Limited for failing to comply with the Fire Safety Order and the associated enforcement action taken by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Carter entered guilty pleas in August last year and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also fined £8,652 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156.

JC Land Investments Limited was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

In addition, Carter and JC Land Investments Limited were ordered to pay a combined £37,293.70 in costs to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

The prosecution highlights the importance of responsible persons ensuring that appropriate fire safety measures are in place, maintained and kept under review, particularly where deficiencies could affect occupants’ ability to escape safely in the event of a fire.

Legal obligation

Ian Armistead, Group manager for protection at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As the ‘Responsible Person’ for these premises and as the sole director of JC Land Investments Limited, Jamie Carter has a legal obligation to ensure that those using the premises are provided with a safe environment. We hope this prosecution reinforces the importance of maintaining properties in accordance with fire safety legislation and the standards required by law.”

Armistead continued: “As part of our ongoing commitment to making Lancashire safer, our fire safety enforcement teams continue to identify and address premises that present significant fire safety risks. We hope this case, which has resulted in a substantial sentence, sends a strong message that fire safety must remain a priority at all times. In this instance, inadequate fire safety measures and poor management had the potential to lead to serious injury or loss of life, leaving us with no alternative but to pursue enforcement action.”

Further, Armistead noted: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to working with those who are willing to address fire safety concerns. Businesses can be confident that we will continue to provide support to help them meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.”

In conclusion, Armistead stated: “We would encourage ‘Responsible Persons’ with fire safety responsibilities to review the fire safety arrangements for their premises and ensure they comply with all relevant regulations.”

*Further information is available online at www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk

View the source.

Our eNews provides regular insight into industry trends, news headlines, and product and service information. For more articles like this Subscribe to our enews.