Fires In Hmos Emphasise Necessity Of Fire Risk Assessments

Recent fires in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) have highlighted the reasons a Responsible Person is required to carry out a fire risk assessment.

Fire risk assessments must be carried out in all commercial properties and HMOs, otherwise the Responsible Persons risk being prosecuted under Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The fires - in blocks of flats in London and Belfast - occurred over the weekend (on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th January, respectively).

In Belfast, six people were rescued the from 16th floor of a block of flats; the residents found themselves trapped after a fire was maliciously started on a floor below them.

Four firefighters suffered burns to their arms and legs while battling the blaze in south London.

The fire damaged the ground, first and second floors of the three-story building in the East Hill area of Wandsworth.

That no one was injured in either of the fires can be seen as a testament to the local fire services.

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