East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) has successfully prosecuted an estate agency and its sole director for failing to comply with lawful requests for information under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Gareth Reed and Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Limited were prosecuted following a fire at a property they managed in Hughenden Road, Hastings, on 15 May 2025. Three people suffered smoke inhalation after becoming trapped as smoke spread through communal areas, obstructing escape routes.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 October, Reed was fined £12,500, ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,525.31 towards investigation costs. His company was fined £7,500.

Fire safety deficiencies identified

Following the incident, ESFRS inspectors identified several fire safety deficiencies, including:

• A fire detector that appeared to be incorrectly secured to the kitchen ceiling.
• Doors that were not fire-resisting and lacked self-closing devices.
• No evidence that residents had received information on what to do in the event of a fire.

Under Article 27 of the Fire Safety Order, authorised fire safety inspectors have powers to inspect premises, make enquiries and request relevant documentation to assess compliance.

The court heard that Reed had failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide the required information and documents.

Importance of fire safety compliance

The prosecution reinforces the importance of responding promptly to official correspondence and complying with lawful requests from fire and rescue authorities.

Under the Fire Safety Order, Responsible Persons have a legal duty to protect relevant persons from fire risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.

To support compliance, Responsible Persons should:

• Ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place and regularly reviewed.
• Implement and maintain appropriate fire safety measures.
• Establish clear procedures for managing official correspondence.
• Respond to requests from authorised inspectors within specified deadlines.
• Ensure those managing fire safety understand their legal responsibilities.
• Where clarification or additional time is required, Responsible Persons should contact the relevant fire safety inspector promptly.

This case highlights the importance of effective fire safety management, clear communication with enforcing authorities and compliance with statutory obligations to protect life.

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