Death of tenant could have been avoided

Social landlord criticised for not having smoke detectors in flats
resulted in the death of a tenant

06 Oct 2010

Failure by a housing association to install effective fire detection and alarm systems in its properties resulted in the death of a tenant in a fire in Bradford, an inquest has been told.

Mark Douglas, 30, was found dead in his bedroom in April this year following the blaze at the property in Hunters Park Avenue, Clayton, which was caused by a smouldering cigarette, reports the Telegraph and Argus.

Speaking at the inquest, station Manager Richard Hagger said there was no smoke detector in Mr Douglas' flat and no alarms were fitted in other flats in the blocks or their communal areas either.

Building owner Accent Foundation, which stated that social landlords are not legally obliged to provide smoke detectors to residents, had previously been instructed by the fire service to fit smoke alarms.

However, managing director Claire Stone said the company now "has a programme to install smoke detectors in all our residents' homes".