According to statistics issued by the London Fire Brigade, Bonfire Night 2013 was the quietest on record, with 119 fires in London on November 5.
The statistics indicate a 64 percent fall in Bonfire Night fires across the last six years, a fact that pleases London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson:
It’s brilliant that the number of fires is dropping on a yearly basis. Everyone at the London Fire Brigade strives to bring the number of call-outs down year-on-year, so we’re very pleased that this was once again our quietest Bonfire Night on record.
The use of carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties is set for review by the government as it bids for mandatory installation of such warning systems by landlords.
This move is part of a wider review into the safety of individuals living in rented accommodation, and it’s one which has been well received by MPs. Clive Betts, chairman of the Communities and Local Government Committee said:
I’m pleased the Government is listening to our concerns about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Much more must be done to tackle the threat of “the silent killer”. Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and save lives.
Betts added that the government should make it necessary for all landlords to have audible, wired-up carbon monoxide detectors wherever there’s an applicable appliance installed on the premises.
Designed by celebrated architect Renzo Piano, the Shard has already become an iconic landmark on the City’s skyline. At 310 metres high it is the tallest building in Western Europe. That geography, coupled with mixed use inside (the building plays host to office space, retail outlets, residential units, and hotel accommodations), necessarily presented a challenge in terms of fire safety engineering.
Want to know how the project was tackled? Look no further than Andrew Sansom’s excellent special report for IFSECGlobal.com, wherein you’ll find details of fire alarm and sprinkler solutions, communication and procedural protocols, evacuation procedures, and much, much more. It’s a great read.
A straw poll of IFSECGlobal.com’s readers suggests that our community backs the idea of a fire safe register, with the majority believing such a move is nothing less than long overdue. Our poll was conducted in response to a workshop (sponsored by BM TRADA) at the recent Fire Sector Summit, where the question: Is it time for a national fire safe register? was posed.
The consensus in that discussion was also overwhelmingly in favour. However, a larger piece of information-gathering is being undertaken by BM TRADA, with the organisation also seeking views from the industry. Comments received will be revealed and discussed at the ASFP’s Parliamentary Seminar on Wednesday, December 4.
Familiar occurrences of landlords and shopkeepers up before the courts for a variety of fire safety offences have characterised the past couple of weeks, but there have also been some more unusual cases.
In terms of the latter, for example, two companies were fined for attaching illegal standpipes to fire hydrants, in turn risking damage. This meant that local fire services may have been delayed when trying to access water in the event of an emergency scenario.
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
