Company director prosecuted after fire at Burgess Hill restaurant

Zhuo, aged 50, was successfully prosecuted by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for breaching six charges brought to the courtroom under the Fire Safety Order.

Zhuo was company director of the Dragon and Peacock Chinese takeaway restaurant in Burgess Hill at the time the premises experienced a fire, caused by a faulty electrical supply, back in September 2023.

Four people were led to safety by firefighters after a member of the public made the 999 call, The rear of the building was significantly damaged.

At the hearing, it was established that Zhuo’s failings had led to an increased risk of death and serious injury to those residing at the premises. It was also unanimously agreed that those inside the building were lucky a member of the public notified West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service of the incident (and very lucky that the Fire Service acted so swiftly).

Details of the fine

Zhuo was ordered to pay a total of £9,157.37, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

Area manager Dave Bray, head of fire safety for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this case and believe it serves as a strong reminder to business owners – particularly so where sleeping accommodation is provided above commercial premises – that they must ensure those people are able to be alerted to the presence of fire and have suitable escape routes to safely and quickly evacuate the building.”

Bray added: “It’s only through luck that this fire did not have far more sinister consequences. Duty holders are reminded that the Fire Safety Order is in place to protect life in the event of a fire. As such, the highest sanctions possible will be sought where these failings endanger the lives of residents and visitors to West Sussex.”