A property developer has been fined £165,000 for repeated breaches of fire safety regulations during the conversion of a warehouse into residential flats—putting lives at risk and prompting enforcement action from authorities.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has reported a sharp increase in fire-related incidents, reaching the highest levels seen in the past five years. In March alone, firefighters responded to more than 160 fires, a significant rise from 111 during the same month last year. April saw over 200 incidents, up from 131 in April 2024. Over the past 12 months, CFRS recorded 1,911 incidents countywide representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
A devastating fire in a converted church in Preston, which had been repurposed to house students and residents, has resulted in significant legal repercussions due to severe fire safety breaches. The incident exposed major failings and has led to prosecutions and heavy financial penalties for those responsible.
Intruders can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, making it essential to invest in the right intruder alarm system. The best system for you will depend on your security needs and budget. From wireless and hardwired options to monitored or bells-only systems, there’s a wide range to choose from. It’s also worth looking for systems approved by reputable organisations such as NUD, NACOSS, or SSAIB, which regulate and certify security providers. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
Most of us spend our working lives in offices, factories, or commercial premises of all shapes and sizes, but how prepared are we for fire risks in these environments? Fires in the workplace can be devastating and are often caused by preventable issues such as faulty electricals, human error, and poor housekeeping. Whether you work in a modern office block or a converted heritage building, understanding your responsibilities around fire safety is essential.
Sites that have Foam fire extinguishers will need to check which type of foam is contained within them. If the foam is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or another type that contains chemicals referred to as PFOA, PFOS or PFAS, these will need to be taken out of service by 4th July 2025 and replaced with a suitable legally compliant alternative.
A care home operator and its Managing Director have been sentenced following multiple fire safety violations at a Nottingham care facility. Both the company and its representatives pleaded guilty to several offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Managing Director received a nine-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. The company was fined £120,000 and, along with the Director, ordered to pay over £20,000 in prosecution costs.
With the UK set to ban disposable vapes, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging users to be vigilant about fire safety, especially as more people switch to rechargeable devices. In the UK, all disposable vapes will be illegal to sell, supply, or possess for sale or supply from June 1, 2025. This ban applies to all retailers, including high street and online shops, and also healthcare and stop smoking services. The ban covers both nicotine and non-nicotine disposable vapes.
The new BS 5839-1:2025 standard is now live, offering critical updates to the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. This latest edition replaces BS 5839-1:2017 and reflects evolving industry best practices, regulatory expectations, and technological advancements.
In today’s environment, CCTV systems are more than just a security measure, they are a vital tool for protecting your business, assets, and people. Whether you're managing a retail store, office, or industrial site, a reliable CCTV system can enhance safety, deter crime, and reduce operational stress. Below, we explore five key benefits of installing a CCTV system and why regular maintenance is just as important as installation.
