Staffordshire pub Fire

A fire which broke out at a disused pub in Staffordshire yesterday morning (December 5th) was started deliberately, according to the local fire service.
More than 30 firefighters were called to The Queen of Hearts pub in Bucknall, which has been shut for around two years.

Fire crews spent more than three hours tackling the blaze, which produced thick acrid smoke.

Glynn Luznyj, assistant area manager for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that an investigation established that the fire was deliberately started and the police have now been informed.

He said: "It appears that fires were set on the ground and first floor which spread throughout the building.

"Whoever started this fire obviously didn't think about the lives they endangered, including their own."

A 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

If the fire risk assessment is deemed to be carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.