Newquay Hotel Fire Investigations Underway
One man has been reported dead and two are still missing following the blaze which which occured in August.
John McMillan, Director of hotels for Holdsworth Hotels which owns the Penhallow was shocked by the blaze; he confirmed a fire marshal had been appointed to each floor of the hotel which will have aided the 80+ people who managed to escape safely.
Matt Littmoden, the chief officer of Cornwall fire brigade stated there was a timber fire escape at the rear of the Penhallow hotel.
Following issues regarding the structural integrity the escape had passed a safety inspection in 2006.
Demolition crews have removed the upper floors of the hotel which were causing a threat to the fire crews extinguishing the blaze. The demolition was a necessary precaution to enable police to start their investigation into the cause of the fire; neighbouring buildings remain evacuated until a full fire risk assessment has been carried out by the fire service.
A shortage of fire crews in the area meant there were not enough firefighters to operate pumps, fire crews have been recently campaigning against the downgrading of two fire stations in Cornwall.
This fire demonstrates the importance of evacuation planning and fire safety measures, the hotel was said to be at its maximum capacity on the night of the blaze.
Many of the guests are elderly requiring assistance during evacuation, fire safety measures must be in place for all staff, residents and visitors within premises.
Police investigations are underway to find the cause of the blaze, anyone with information should contact the police on 0800 056 0154.
For further information to conduct a fire risk assessment at your hotel please click here
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