The coroner leading the inquest into the three deaths in the 2007 fire at the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay has warned of the risk of further deaths, unless there is government support for hotels and guesthouses to invest in fire safety or to ensure compliance with the law.
Dr Emma Carlyon made the comments at the conclusion of the inquest in Truro, when she directed the jury to return an open verdict after hearing more than three weeks of evidence into the fire.
She said: “I…intend to write to the minister for tourism to highlight to her the concerns raised by those at the inquest about the change in fire legislation and to self regulation in 2006 and the risks of future deaths, in particular of hotels and guesthouses, if sufficient measures are not provided to support the investment in fire safety or to ensure compliance.”
She also reminded owners of hotels and guesthouses that they, and they alone, were responsible for complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Order, especially regarding regular fire risk assessments and taking general fire precautions.
Although there was evidence that the fire at the Penhallow Hotel started from a naked flame, investigators were unable to say for certain how it began. Last year, four people previously arrested in connection with the investigation into the fire were released without charge.
Speaking after the verdict, detective chief inspector Darren Lockley said the speed and spread of the fire was unprecedented. “The inquest goes some way to explaining the tragic loss of lives, however we now wish to appeal for any information that will enable the families to fully understand what happened.”
A statement on behalf of the bereaved families said they were satisfied with the evidence that had been given at the inquest but were disappointed with the open verdict.
