Major UK Fires That Shaped Retail and Business Protection
As with many changes or advances in health, safety, safeguarding, and various other policies – perhaps especially fire safety – most developments come in response to dreadful incidents. This may seem like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted – but to continue that metaphor, at least no more horses will bolt.
Over the past three decades, the UK has witnessed several devastating fires in retail and business premises. Each one underlined the critical importance of robust fire prevention and fire safety measures. These incidents resulted in catastrophic and tragic losses, which nobody ever wants to see again. The disastrous fires prompted significant changes in fire safety regulations and practices. Fire extinguisher suppliers and fire safety professionals must understand these and other events to advocate for, and implement, effective fire prevention strategies.
The Woolworths Fire, Manchester (1979)
On May 8, 1979, a fire broke out at the iconic Woolworths store in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens. A taxi radio operator called 999 after one of their drivers saw smoke – so smoke and fire alarms could’ve made a big difference, too. The blaze was ignited by a damaged electrical cable that set polyurethane foam-filled furniture ablaze. The burning foam rapidly produced dense, black, highly toxic smoke, which caused the tragic deaths of 10 people. A further 47 others were injured. Although the polyurethane foam was undoubtedly the main cause of the speed with which the fire took, and the poisonous fumes, the lack of proper extinguishers or a sprinkler system exacerbated the disaster. The thick smoke also obscured exit signs. Iron bars to the upper-floor windows prevented escape and thus added to the tragedy.
The Woolworths fire, the worst shop fire in Manchester since the second world war, led to the introduction of The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations in 1988, mandating the use of flame-resistant materials in furniture manufacturing. You may feel frustrated when you can’t sell or donate used furniture due to the lack of a fire safety label – but there’s good reason for that.
House of Reeves Fire, Croydon (2011)
A series of violent riots in the August of 2011 saw destruction of property, vandalism, looting, and arson on a terrible scale. The historic House of Reeves furniture store in Croydon was set ablaze by rioters. The fire completely destroyed the building, which had been home to the family-run business for over 140 years. Fortunately, the business has survived despite its losses.
This event highlighted the vulnerability of businesses to civil unrest and criminal damage. Such acts demonstrate the importance of having adequate fire protection measures, including fire extinguishers and emergency response plans, to at least try to minimise damage and loss in the event of such appalling violence and crime.
Grenfell Tower Fire, London (2017)
Although primarily a residential disaster, the Grenfell Tower fire on June 14, 2017, which claimed 72 lives, had significant implications for fire safety in all building types, including commercial properties The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to flammable exterior cladding.
The aftermath led to a nationwide review of building materials and fire safety regulations, reinforcing the necessity for stringent fire safety standards across all sectors.
Jenners Department Store Fire, Edinburgh (2023)
On January 23, 2023, a fire broke out in the historic Jenners department store in Edinburgh. Five firefighters were sadly injured while battling the blaze, and tragically, one of the firefighters, Barry Martin, succumbed to his injuries four days later.
The incident underscored the dangers faced by our emergency responders – a danger our MD Wayne knows only too well. This is Wayne’s motivation for always going the extra mile for clients – he knows exactly how important fire prevention, fire safety, and the correct fire extinguishers are. Comprehensive fire safety systems, including early detection and suppression mechanisms, are critical in large retail establishments – indeed in any large premises.
Bicester Motion Hangar Fire, Oxfordshire (2025)
We have all seen the recent headlines, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the firefighters and Mr Chester. On May 15, 2025, fire broke out at a hangar within the Bicester Motion business park, formerly RAF Bicester. The hangar contained vintage vehicles. This blaze resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and a member of the public, with two additional firefighters sustaining serious injuries. The firefighters who were killed were Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Martyn Sadler also of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the London Fire Brigade. The member of the public was Bicester resident and local business owner, David Chester, who was based at the Bicester Motion site. All three died from multiple traumatic injuries, thought to be caused when the building collapsed.
This awful tragedy highlights the importance of fire safety in facilities storing valuable and potentially flammable items, emphasising the need for robust and appropriate fire suppression systems and regular safety audits. The exact cause is unknown as yet, according to reports from Thames Valley Police. Investigations are ongoing, with fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive working to determine the cause of the fire.
Fire Doesn’t Have to Kill to Take Everything
These tragic events are stark reminders of the devastation fires cause – for businesses and communities. They emphasise the critical need for comprehensive fire safety measures, including the installation (and maintenance) of appropriate fire extinguishers, regular safety audits, staff training, and total adherence to fire safety regulations.
Some people may think we’re using these tragedies to promote our services, and perhaps that’s true. But, with Wayne’s experience as a firefighter, we know how much it matters – and we know that the right measures could’ve made a big difference. We ALWAYS go above and beyond for our clients – have a read of the recent case study. So, yes, we’re a business, but we’re a business that genuinely cares. Surely that’s better than the alternative? Francis Fire provide not just the equipment, but also education, maintenance, servicing, and support. Is it time you implemented effective fire prevention strategies for your business? By learning these terrible lessons from the past, we can protect lives and property in the future.