Date: 13/05/2008
A fire took place at Wren Nest Mill in Glossop, Derbyshire, on Friday, April 6, 2007.
All occupants of the buildings were safely evacuated and there were no injuries reported, but the fire destroyed the roof and the fourth floor of the building and caused extensive damage to the third floor and structure of the building.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue services attended the fire on Friday morning, April 6, and again hours later, when the fire re-ignited. The blaze was ultimately brought under control and extinguished.
Derbyshire Police arrested and charged a man with offences of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life, and arson with intent to commit criminal damage.
High Peak Borough Council was concerned to secure the welfare of the residents of Wren Nest Mill. Together with Derbyshire County Council, the Council and other public, voluntary and community organisations formed the Emergency Response team.
The primary concern of the team was to secure the welfare of displaced residents of the Mill, arranging for the provision of clothing, food, medicines and short term accommodation.
Regular briefings took place in the days following the incident, with the intention of keeping channels of communication open between all parties involved, including Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, Derbyshire County Council, High Peak Borough Council, voluntary and community organisations and residents of the Mill. Through co-operation of all parties, emergency provisions and accommodation were provided to all residents who needed them.
Although the fire was started deliberately, High Peak Borough Council was keen to examine our role in the development of the building, to identify any learning experiences which may prevent such a serious incident occurring in the future. Following the incident, a review of the Council's involvement took place to identify recommendations for improvements, which could be undertaken. The findings are summarised in the following paragraphs.
The application for the development of the Mill was properly made to the Planning Department, which considered all aspects of the development, according to local and national criteria.
The Building Control team was consulted throughout the development of the Mill and the team was satisfied with the adequacy of the fire strategy, which was decided upon. Building Control undertook inspections at intervals, over and above the statutory requirements.
On September 1, 2006, Building Control issued Conditional Completion Certificates for 42 of the 72 apartments. These certificates identified remaining issues to be addressed to the Developers, Oakapple Ltd, and were not an indication that Building Control believed the apartments were fit for occupation. The Building Control team was given assurances that no occupation of the building was taking place at this time.
No Conditional Completion Certificates were issued in relation to the remaining apartments, either because the apartments had not been inspected by Building Control, or because there were remaining fire or life safety issues relating to those apartments. No Conditional Completion Certificates were issued in respect of any apartment on the fourth floor of the building.
On March 13, 2007, an inspection was conducted by High Peak Borough Council Building Control and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. The developers then informed the Council that one apartment on the fourth floor of the building was being occupied.
The developers had not informed Building Control, prior to occupation of the apartment, that occupation was about to commence, in contravention of their statutory duties. No final inspection had been undertaken by Building Control and no final Completion Certificates had been issued, confirming that any of the apartments was fit for occupation.
During the inspection, outstanding fire safety issues were identified. None of these issues related to the apartment, which was identified as being occupied.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the outstanding issues to the developer in writing, and a request was made to the developer that Building Control be informed when they had been addressed, so that a final inspection could take place to confirm the building was suitable for occupation, in accordance with statutory requirements.
No confirmation was received prior to the incident. No final inspection took place and no Completion Certificates were issued to confirm the building was suitable for occupation.
On the day of the fire, 41 apartments were occupied, although this was not brought to the attention of Building Control.
At the public meetings immediately following the fire, residents of the Mill expressed specific fire safety concerns, which were examined by High Peak Borough Council. They can be addressed as follows:
This was considered by Building Control as part of the fire strategy. The beams were adequately treated to reach the fire resistance required by Building Regulations. In addition, each flat had fire separation treatment to limit the speed at which fire could spread between flats.
The number of fire exits were in compliance with Fire Regulations.
Emergency lighting was installed and seen to be working by Building Control on the day of the fire.
Fire extinguishers are outside the remit of High Peak Borough Council and it would be inappropriate for it to comment on this matter.
Signage was in compliance with Building Regulations. All occupants of the building were safely evacuated.
The building had not received its final inspection by Building Control, as none had been requested. No Completion Certificates were issued confirming the building was safe for occupation.
Fire alarms, certified to British Standards, were installed in all apartments, with approval in place to confirm they had been fitted properly.
A sprinkler system, certified to British Standards, was properly installed. High Peak Borough Council is not aware that it had been switched off, in whole or in part.
Following an examination into our involvement with the development of the Mill, High Peak Borough Council has made the following improvements to our procedures: