Welsh blaze, dangers of home electricals

A senior fire official has underlined the potential fire risks of home electrical equipment following a blaze at a garage in north Wales this week.

Firefighters were called to the large garage in Flintshire, which is part of the Soughton Hall Hotel, at 11.23pm on Tuesday (29th November) and used one main jet and one hose reel to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining Stables restaurant.

The fire was brought under control by 2:30am the following morning, with firefighters remaining at the scene afterwards to ensure it was fully extinguished.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was caused by a fault in the electrics on a large diesel ride-on lawnmower parked in the garage.

Terry Williams from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "This incident should remind people of the importance of making sure all electrical equipment in their homes are safe and are being used correctly and serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions."

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

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.