Minister announces review of fire safety laws after Torquay fire tragedy

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has welcomed the decision by Fire Minister Shahid Malik to review regulations concerning smoke alarms.

In a debate on fire safety in rented properties, held by Adrian in the House of Commons today, the Minister pledged to look at proposals to make smoke alarms compulsory in rented accommodation, with landlords being responsible for there being a working system at the beginning of any tenancy.

The debate follows the tragic death of Stephanie Wojak and Ben McAuliffe in a fire in Ellacombe, Torquay in October. It has been acknowledged that there was no smoke alarm at the Riviera Housing Trust property and figures highlighted by Mr Sanders showed that every year over 200 people die in house fires where no working smoke alarm is present.

Adrian told the PRSD: “This is a good step forward in getting more protection for tenants and preventing tragedies such as the more than 300 fire deaths every year. Hopefully the Minister will look closely at the possibilities and come back with a sensible proposal.

“The majority of landlords and homeowners are already responsible when it comes to fire safety, but it would save dozens of lives and provide reassurance to tens of thousands of tenants if the minority were brought into line with best practice.”

(from a press release)