Fire safety disaster at Lancashire care home sparks major emergency!
Rajesh Kumar Chechani, manager of Morvern Care Centre in Thornton-Cleveleys, has been slapped with a suspended sentence and massive fines after shocking fire safety breaches endangered dozens of vulnerable residents.
Emergency Evacuation After Fire Safety Chaos
On December 1, 2020, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) swooped on Morvern Care Centre and uncovered dangerous fire safety failings. The care home, housing 45 elderly residents, was immediately shut down with a Prohibition Notice – deemed too unsafe to operate.
A huge multi-agency effort relocated every resident to safer homes within two weeks, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Jailed – But Suspended – and Fined for Putting Lives at Risk
- Chechani pleaded guilty to two glaring offences:
- Failing to ensure proper fire precautions.
- Neglecting to carry out a thorough fire risk assessment.
Preston Crown Court handed down a three-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, plus a hefty £10,000 fine and £33,000 in costs. LFRS called the threat to residents and staff “serious and unacceptable.”
Lancashire Fire Service: Fire Safety Failures Are Deadly
“Issuing a Prohibition Notice is never taken lightly, but this fire risk was just too great,” said Ian Armistead, LFRS Protection Department Group Manager.
“Chechani had a clear legal duty to protect his residents and staff. He failed spectacularly.”
“This prosecution is a stark warning: ignore fire safety and face tough consequences.”
Originally published on UKNIP