PMA research shows chimneys, arson, cigarettes most common cause of fire

The PMA​ has obtained exclusive data from fire and rescue services up and down the country to establish the most common causes of fires in pubs, and where to go for advice.

Dangers 

Freedom of Information requests found that arson​, chimney fires, faulty equipment, and cigarettes were regular origins of blazes, which can not only turn a publican’s life upside-down but, in worst instances, result in loss of life.

We’ve spoken to firefighters to find out how to identify risks and avoid a fire, both to prevent damage and to protect lives.

As London Fire Brigade community manager Mark Hazelton put it: “Many publicans and their staff live above their pubs and any fire in
their pub has a direct effect on their likelihood of escape.

“It is especially important that they have a good closing-up routine which involves securing their premises, emptying bins, turning off any appliances that don’t have to be on, and making sure that they can escape if they have a fire — good security shouldn’t hamper their escape.”

Chimney fires 

Of all causes of fires throughout the UK, chimneys were one of the most common.

Licensees at the Harrow Inn in Lidsing, Kent, Kris and Lisa Orme saw a fire rip through their pub five years ago, and they are still feeling the consequences of the blaze that destroyed their business for eight months.

They urge licensees with open fires and wood-burning stoves to have chimney flues swept and maintained before lighting the first autumn fire.

No business, no home 

Lisa Orme said: “It’s really not a nice place to be, where you have no business and no home for eight months.”

The publicans lit a fire in the Harrow Inn’s main bar, unaware of two dislodged bricks in the chimney stack next to the roof void.

She continued: “When our alarm system was triggered, we went upstairs to rescue the dog, I put my hand on the wall — it was hot and was actually bubbling. We then got out of the pub and could see tiles coming off the roof. It was frightening.

“Seeing my daughter’s clothes and teddy bears all charred on the ground outside really hit me hard. Even though people were telling me my daughter was fine — she wasn’t here at the time — it was the thought of what might have been.”

And she advises: “Always use a professional to look at your chimney and ensure it’s OK to use by the time you need to use it. Don’t leave yourself wide open to experience the pain we did.”

Financial damage 

The emotional loss of a family home was hard enough to take, but on top of that the financial damage was crippling. The pub lost key trade over winter and Christmas months, plus early summer trade.

The Harrow Inn always had routine annual maintenance — which included the chimney. But now they use enclosed log burners rather than an open fire, and ensure more than one inspection is carried out a year.

Kris Orme said: “We want to help prevent others from going through the same heartache we suffered. It’s so important to maintain your chimney and if you’re a tenant, it’s vital you make sure the people who own the building are maintaining it thoroughly on your behalf.

“Importantly, make sure you can keep your family and customers safe.”

Advice

Watch manager at Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Service Nick Salt gave this advice on how to avoid, and spot, chimney fires:

• Burn the correct fuel — use correct coal or seasoned logs. Don’t use old wood or pallets as they could be treated with chemicals, stains or varnish
• Have a fire grate; it stops embers from popping out on to carpet or wood floors
• Have the chimney swept and maintained once a year
• Get professionals in to check for patches in the brickwork and the state
• of the chimney on the roof