Sheffield landlord convicted after breaching fire safety laws

A Sheffield man has been jailed for six months – suspended for 18 months – and 250 hours of community service after admitting breaking fire safety laws.

Mr Zahir Ahmed, of Bannerdale Road, Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on 6 June 2024 after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing on 9 May 2024 at Sheffield Magistrates Court to six counts of failing to comply with the articles from Regulatory Reform (Fire). Safety) Order 2005.

Eleven people were trapped in the building on Brookhill Road, Sheffield, when the fire broke out at around 3.25am on 25 February 2022.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus located the people, staying with them until the fire was out and the property could be ventilated.

During the incident the only stairwell in the property also collapsed, causing a firefighter to fall down the stairs.

Following a post-incident investigation, fire safety inspection officers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Business found no fire alarms or emergency lighting, poor fire door standards and no stairwell ventilation.

Judge Robinson concluded that there must be an arrest given the seriousness of the offences, the fact that they relate to two premises, multiple breaches of regulations and that there is a real risk of serious harm to persons.

Mr Ahmed was sentenced to six months in prison for each of the offenses to run concurrently. This sentence is suspended for 18 months. He will be required to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work. He is ordered to pay £10,000 prosecution costs at £1,000 a month.

Sentencing, His Honor Judge Robinson said: “Mr Ahmed had a willful disregard for the safety of persons. There was a terrible fire that caused a firefighter to fall down the stairs. It could have been catastrophic and was, in my opinion, a near-fatal fire.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie said: “Landlords and other responsible persons are responsible for preventing fires in the first instance. If a fire breaks out in a building they are responsible for, other protective measures become absolutely critical.

This fire could have had a catastrophic outcome had it not been for the highly skilled professionalism of our firefighters. Due to the lack of fire safety systems and management within this premises, it was extremely fortunate in this case that people did not die.”

“This sentence is a reminder to all those responsible that we can and will prosecute people when they break the laws that are there to keep people safe.”

In apartments of this type, it is expected that an appropriate fire risk assessment has been carried out, identifying the necessary fire safety measures such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, escape strategy and protected escape routes appropriate, which should be managed by a responsible person. . SYFR works closely with businesses and landlords to ensure they comply with fire safety regulations and inspectors are available to provide practical advice and support in this area.

For more information about the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Keeping Premises Safe From Fire, visit the Safety in Business section of the Fire Service website www.syfire.gov.uk