Fire Safety Fiasco at Lancashire Care Home Sparks Emergency!
Rajesh Kumar Chechani, manager of Morvern Care Centre in Thornton-Cleveleys, has been hit with a suspended jail sentence and hefty fines after shocking fire safety breaches put dozens of vulnerable residents at risk.
Emergency Evacuation After Fire Safety Chaos
On December 1, 2020, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) stormed Morvern Care Centre, uncovering dangerous fire safety failures. The home, housing 45 elderly residents, faced an immediate Prohibition Notice and was shut down for being too unsafe to operate.
A massive multi-agency operation relocated every resident to safer accommodations within two weeks, underscoring the crisis’ severity.
Suspended Jail Term and Heavy Fines for Life-Threatening Neglect
- Chechani admitted to two serious offences:
- Failing to ensure proper fire precautions.
- Neglecting to carry out a thorough fire risk assessment.
Preston Crown Court handed Chechani a three-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside a £10,000 fine plus £33,000 in costs. LFRS branded the fire risk to residents and staff as “serious and unacceptable.”
Lancashire Fire Service Issues Stern Warning
“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.”
