Hotels in Devon to undergo fire safety checks

Six fire crews attended the Dilkhusa Grand Hotel, Wilder Road, on 28 November to deal with a fire in a third floor flat, which only affected the room of origin. Firefighters evacuated 184 guests and staff and eight people were rescued or led to safety by firefighters. Four were taken to hospital for precautionary checks suffering with minor smoke inhalation.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service station manager Colin Mill explained that the incident showed how important it was for hotel owners to ensure their fire safety measures and procedures were in place. He said: “The fire precautions at the Dilkhusa were well maintained and we’d like to praise the hotel staff for their actions during the incident.

“However, we have become aware that fire safety measures at other hotels in the town may not be up to standard and we will be carrying out checks across the town in the period leading up to Christmas.”

It is the responsibility of the property owners to ensure that adequate fire safety measures are in place and the Fire Safety Order is complied with. The main issues to consider include the following:

• A fire risk assessment has been carried out and the findings acted upon;
• All the escape routes are clear and accessible;
• Staff are trained to know what to do in the event of an emergency incident;
• There is a working fire detection and warning system which has been tested;
• Emergency lighting is working; and
• Checks carried out by staff on the above are recorded

The Service’s business safety officers will always work with and support those businesses that take their fire safety responsibilities seriously but will not tolerate those that put people at risk and will prosecute where necessary. The cause of the fire at the Dilkhusa is believed to be deliberate and investigations are continuing.

More information about fire safety is on the Service’s website www.dsfire.gov.uk