The landlord of a commercial property pleaded guilty to seven breaches of fire safety legislation and was fined £670 per offence (a total of £4,690) and ordered to pay costs of more than £2000 by Hyndburn Magistrates.

The seven charges included:

Failing to provide a single risk assessment
Failing to maintain the Fire Alarm System
Failing to provide Emergency Lighting
Failing to provide suitable fire fighting equipment
Storing combustible materials at a means of escape
Failing to provide fire separation
Failing to keep Fire Exits clear and available
Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland commented, “I trust that this case will emphasise to other landlords in Lancashire the importance of enforcing  fire safety standards. There should be no doubt that the law requires this action, and the public can be assured that we will vigorously pursue our enforcement responsibilities where failings are identified.”