Over 80 local business people attended a seminar in November where they received advice and guidance on fire safety legislation from Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service.

One in three businesses are putting lives at risk by failing to comply with fire safety legislation which has been in force for 12 months.

"Larger firms with full time Health and Safety officers by and large are taking the right steps, but some smaller companies are overlooking their responsibilities," explains Deputy Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith,

"We know they are busy and that is why we are offering help and advice.

However, if firms persist in ignoring this legislation we will have no option but to take enforcement action. We would rather that than find ourselves sending a fire crew to deal with a blaze at a business where property and persons could be at risk.

In commercial terms the average cost of a simple fire to business is £134,000 and that rises to millions for serious damage - so the message here is that we must work together to reduce risk to your businesses."

Business people attending the seminar, added:

"This has made us much more aware of risk assessment. We will make sure contractors working with us are aware of this information as well." said Joan Wilkinson, manager of Limes Care Home for the elderly.

"We started looking at regulations back in May but this has made it much clearer. As building contractors we are aware of many of the dangers. It has helped us immensely to listen to the fire service today." added Ian Hood, building contractor with Limes Care Home. "People should be aware of fire safety and of how quickly a fire can take hold. Anyone who comes into your home should know what to do instead of getting into a panic and making a dangerous situation even worse".

Paul Young of Sportsform said: "The problem with small businesses is keeping up with legislation. I have found this enlightening and has made me think for instance about chemicals we may not need to store.

It is something you do not think about unless someone tells you how to comply and how it makes sense. We are bombarded with emails and paperwork and the informal approach of the fire service along with this seminar has been invaluable."

Donna Dwyer, Business Manager of the Excellence Cluster said: "We deal with businesses in schools and need to make them aware of the legislation rather than let them rely on schools for that. I have found the seminar very useful."

To learn more go to www.bedsfire.com and follow the fire safety links to details and downloads on the Fire Safety Order.