Two companies face court action following serious Barrow HMO fire
Two companies are due to appear in court over alleged fire safety failures connected with a serious blaze at a house in multiple occupation in Barrow.
Copperplane Limited and My Space Housing Solutions Limited are expected to appear at Barrow Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 22.
The case relates to a fire at 47 Storey Square on June 1, 2023.
Two men were taken to hospital with serious injuries following the blaze. A third man was taken to Furness General Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
A man was also arrested on suspicion of arson after the incident.
The charges against the two companies concern alleged failures under fire safety law. No findings have yet been made, and the allegations will be considered by the court.
Landlord faces 11 charges
Copperplane Limited, which is based on Albany Road in Weymouth, Dorset, is listed as the landlord of the property.
The company faces 11 charges linked to alleged failures to comply with fire safety requirements.
These include claims that it failed to take suitable measures to prevent the spread of fire and did not complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
The company is also accused of failing to provide appropriate firefighting equipment.
Further allegations relate to emergency escape routes, fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting.
The charges include claims that routes to emergency exits were not kept clear and that adequate fire doors were not provided.
Copperplane is also accused of failing to maintain fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.
Another charge alleges that the company failed to co-operate with My Space Housing Solutions over fire safety responsibilities at the property.
Supported housing provider faces 12 counts
My Space Housing Solutions Limited is based on Chorley New Road in Horwich, near Bolton.
The organisation is a charity that provides supported housing for vulnerable adults.
It faces 12 charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
The counts allege that a responsible person failed to comply with requirements or prohibitions intended to protect people from the risk of fire.
My Space Housing Solutions is also accused of failing to maintain a suitable fire evacuation procedure at the Storey Square property.
The court will hear the detail of each allegation and determine how the case should proceed.
Fire left three people needing hospital treatment
The fire broke out at the Storey Square HMO on June 1, 2023.
Emergency services attended the property, and three men required hospital treatment.
Two were reported to have suffered serious injuries, while the third was treated for smoke inhalation.
The incident led to a wider investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the safety arrangements in place at the building.
The fact that charges have been brought does not mean either company has been found guilty.
Both organisations will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations during the court process.
Further information, including any pleas entered and whether the case remains in the magistrates’ court or is sent to a higher court, is expected after the hearing.
