In 2007, a fire at the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay took three lives. The coroner leading this inquest, has warned of a risk of further deaths and calls for government support for hotels and guest houses to invest in fire safety to ensure compliance with the law.
The comments were made by Dr Emma Carlyon at the conclusion of the inquest in Truro, when she directed the jury to return an open verdict.
She said: "I... intend to write to the minister for tourism to highlight to her the concerns raised by those at the inquest about the change in fire legislation and to self regulation in 2006 and the risks of future deaths, in particular of hotels and guesthouses, if sufficient measures are not provided to support the investment in fire safety or to ensure compliance."
Dr Carolyn reminded the owners of hotels and guesthouses that they are the only ones responsible for complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Order, particularly regarding regular fire risk assessments and taking general fire precautions.
Investigators were unable to clarify how the fire at the Penhallow Hotel began, however there was evidence to suggest that the fire started from a naked flame.
Four people who were previously arrested in connection with the investigation into the fire last year have been released without charge.
Detective chief inspector Darren Lockley, speaking after the verdict said that the speed and spread of the fire was exceptional. "The inquest goes some way to explaining the tragic loss of lives; however we now wish to appeal for any information that will enable the families to fully understand what happened."
A statement on behalf of the bereaved families said they were satisfied with the evidence that had been given at the inquest but were disappointed with the open verdict.
The comments were made by Dr Emma Carlyon at the conclusion of the inquest in Truro, when she directed the jury to return an open verdict.
She said: "I... intend to write to the minister for tourism to highlight to her the concerns raised by those at the inquest about the change in fire legislation and to self regulation in 2006 and the risks of future deaths, in particular of hotels and guesthouses, if sufficient measures are not provided to support the investment in fire safety or to ensure compliance."
Dr Carolyn reminded the owners of hotels and guesthouses that they are the only ones responsible for complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Order, particularly regarding regular fire risk assessments and taking general fire precautions.
Investigators were unable to clarify how the fire at the Penhallow Hotel began, however there was evidence to suggest that the fire started from a naked flame.
Four people who were previously arrested in connection with the investigation into the fire last year have been released without charge.
Detective chief inspector Darren Lockley, speaking after the verdict said that the speed and spread of the fire was exceptional. "The inquest goes some way to explaining the tragic loss of lives; however we now wish to appeal for any information that will enable the families to fully understand what happened."
A statement on behalf of the bereaved families said they were satisfied with the evidence that had been given at the inquest but were disappointed with the open verdict.
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