Issued: 10.12.07
At: 11:45am
For immediate release

Christmas Fire Safety Inspections

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have launched their pre-Christmas fire
inspection programme for retail premises. Fire Protection Team members will be
carrying-out on the spot inspections of shops, pubs, arcades and even garden
centres during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Levels of retail goods are likely to
be stocked to a shops full capacity and the officers will be inspecting to ensure that
fire exits remain available and that general fire precautions have not been neglected
during this festive period.

Mark Speight, Fire Protection Team Leader for Leicester, stated that:
‘Whilst our officers will enforce legislation against those found to be carrying
out offences, they will also be giving guidance and advice to the managers of
retail premises about fully understanding their commitment to safe-guarding
those persons that resort to their shops. In general, most managers carry out
fire risk assessments and are aware of their responsibilities, however there
are still those that flaunt their position and neglect life safety matters. If
anyone has a concern about a fire safety matter, in particular blocked fire
exits, routes to those exits or even locked exits they should inform the fire and
rescue service immediately and an officer will respond to investigate’.
This campaign will continue into the New Year and will involve inspections
throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, if retailers would like any further advice on
complying with the fire safety legislation they should contact the Fire Protection
Department on 0116 287 2241.

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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