A national spotlight has been put on fire safety issues around Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Migrants are too often living in cramped and crowded conditions which do not comply with Fire Safety legislation or the Housing Act 2004.

The problem has already been recognised by Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) which has for more than a year been working with Bedford Borough Council in a pioneering partnership to identify and rectify the problems in such HMOs.

Area Fire Safety Manager Tim Birchall along with Borough Council Environmental Health Officer Debbie Bromley have been pounding the streets knocking on doors and inspecting living accommodation above shops.

"This is the only way to root out the problem," says Tim,

"On Tuesday February 26th we visited ten houses and in one of them found that five people were sleeping in two tiny rooms. These initiatives help to identify the key problems allowing both Authorities to maximise the use of their enforcement teams and powers.

In others it can take longer as we have to identify the legal landlord through property searches then determine the correct standards for not only fire safety but the general living conditions such as sanitation and cooking facilities. Where necessary formal notices are served – any failure to comply can lead to prosecution."

Bedford Borough Council commented:

"We have been targeting high risk properties, especially those of three storeys or more above shops which can be fire traps if proper fire safety measures are not in place" said Debbie. "We have emergency powers to make premises safe by carrying out works or immediately prohibiting occupation but it is the owners’ responsibility to make sure conditions are safe. We have produced a guide in consultation with the Fire Service to help landlords recognise what standards are acceptable and this will be available free of charge from the Council towards the end of the month"

Councillor Chris Black, Housing Portfolio holder for Bedford Borough Council said "Conditions in bedsits and shared houses (houses in multiple occupation) (HMOs) can be much worse than in other rented accommodation with much greater risk of fire and other hazards. Removing risks to the occupiers of these premises by working jointly with the Fire Service is a good example of partnership working producing results."

BLFRS are trying to set up a similar partnership in other parts of the county and Luton to recreate the work undertaken in Bedford. It is hoped that funding can be diverted in order that a dedicated HMO fire safety officer can be employed who will develop this work.

BLFRS in keeping with other fire and rescue services undertakes a wide range of community safety work. This includes a series of presentations to businesses advising them of their responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order of October 2006.

Fire safety in houses in multiple occupation (HMO) is a national issue and has been brought into the national spotlight by Lancashire Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland, who was formerly a CFO at Bedfordshire and Luton.

BLFRS Deputy Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith said: "This is a problem increasingly faced by fire and rescue services all over the country - particularly in areas where they are large numbers of migrants seeking accommodation in the private landlord housing sector."

Pictures:

1.Fire Safety inspection by Tim Birchall and Debbie Bromley.

2.Tim Birchall taking note of exits from a building of multiple occupancy.