Fire Risk Assessment Urgency as Fire Devastates Historic House

The vital need for individuals to carry out a fire risk assessment on commercial properties has been emphasized after a historic house in Slough was damaged by fire. Located in Langley, Elvian House saw much of its first floor devastated as a fire ripped through the premises and destroyed all in its path.

At approximately 5.30pm on Friday, December 16th, fire crews were called to Elvian House, where a large fire had started. Four fire crews battled flames for around nine hours, trying to extinguish the fire, which is being treated as suspicious. Gripping the house at quick speed, the fire has reportedly damaged up to 80 per cent of the first floor, and cause smoke damage to the ground and second floors. However, fire crews stopped flames from breaking into the Victorian part of the historic building, enabling them to preserve some of the house’s most prized features.

The fire has highlighted the vital need for all properties to have a sufficient fire risk assessment carried out, indicating ways in which fires can be prevented and their spread hindered. Under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, all commercial properties in England and Wales must have such an assessment carried out.

After the scene in Slough, an investigation has now begun as to how and why the fire occurred. The details are not yet known, but it is certain that the buildings risk assessment will be looked at in the coming months.