Care Home Fire Results in Fines
A care home in Boscombe, Dorset has been fined £70,000 after a fatal incident led to a fire safety prosecution brought by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).
The case relates to an incident on 19 June 2023 at Portelet Manor care home, where a resident suffered significant burns while smoking in a designated smoking area. The individual was taken to hospital but sadly died 11 days later.
DWFRS confirmed that they were not initially called to the incident and only launched a fire safety investigation once they became aware of what had occurred.
Following the investigation, the care home operator, Portelet Manor Limited, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The offence related to a failure to ensure appropriate fire safety arrangements were in place, in breach of Article 11, which places legal duties on Responsible Persons to manage fire safety risks.
At Poole Magistrates’ Court on 31 March 2026, the company was fined £70,000. The court also ordered the operator to pay £22,000 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
DWFRS Fire Safety Prosecution Manager Tom Huntley said the service’s thoughts remained with the family and friends of the person who died following the incident. He added that the ruling highlights the importance of fire safety compliance and sends a clear message to care providers and Responsible Persons across Dorset and Wiltshire.
He emphasised that while DWFRS works with businesses to support fire safety compliance, enforcement action will be taken where necessary in the public interest. The service warned that failures in fire safety management can have serious and potentially fatal consequences.
The case serves as a reminder to care homes and other regulated premises of the importance of maintaining robust fire safety arrangements, ensuring effective risk assessments are in place, and complying fully with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
If you manage a care home or are the Responsible Person, contact us for advice on how to manage the premises, ensuring that all life safety systems are adequately maintained and suitable for the risk.