What This Prosecution Means for Duty Holders in Berkshire
A recent prosecution in Wokingham has sent a clear and unambiguous message to property managers, landlords, and business owners across Berkshire: fire safety compliance is not optional. Failure to meet legal duties under fire safety legislation can – and does – result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and serious risks to life.
On 26 March 2025, a Wokingham property manager was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The case was brought following an investigation by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, carried out by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service during 2023.
The outcome highlights the very real consequences of neglecting fundamental fire safety responsibilities.
What Happened?
The defendant, Mr Artan Hyseni, owned a property located on Reading Road, Wokingham. Following an inspection and investigation by the Fire Authority, officers identified three serious fire safety deficiencies within the premises.
These breaches were considered significant enough to warrant prosecution, particularly due to the potential risk posed to occupants in the event of a fire.
After pleading guilty to all three charges, Mr Hyseni was fined £6,666 per offence, resulting in a total penalty of £26,441.35, once victim surcharges and prosecution costs were added.
The Fire Safety Breaches Identified
The investigation found failings in three key areas that form the foundation of fire safety compliance in non-domestic premises:
1. No Fire Risk Assessment
Under the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person must carry out and regularly review a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment. This assessment identifies fire hazards, people at risk, and the measures needed to reduce or control those risks.
In this case, no valid Fire Risk Assessment was in place, meaning risks were neither identified nor managed.
2. Inadequate Fire Detection and Firefighting Equipment
The property lacked appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment, such as smoke alarms, fire alarm systems, or fire extinguishers.
Early detection is critical in preventing small incidents from becoming life-threatening fires. Without it, occupants may have little or no warning to escape safely.
3. Inadequate Means of Escape
Safe and clearly defined means of escape are a legal requirement. This includes protected escape routes, appropriate signage, emergency lighting where necessary, and exits that can be used quickly in an emergency.
The investigation concluded that the escape arrangements at the property were insufficient, placing occupants at serious risk should a fire occur.
Why This Case Matters
Rachel Bloomfield, Prevention and Protection Change and Improvement Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, summarised the position clearly:
“This successful prosecution demonstrates to businesses that we will act where necessary to protect the public should they not take their commitments to fire safety seriously.”
Fire authorities across the UK consistently state that enforcement is a last resort. Most will work with duty holders to help them achieve compliance. However, when serious risks remain unresolved, decisive action will be taken.
This case serves as a warning that fire safety enforcement is active across Berkshire, including Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Slough, and surrounding areas.
Who Is Responsible?
Under the Fire Safety Order, responsibility usually falls on:
- Property owners
- Landlords
- Managing agents
- Employers
- Anyone with control of the premises
If you own or manage a commercial or residential building with shared areas, you are very likely the Responsible Person in the eyes of the law.
Importantly, responsibility cannot be ignored or delegated away. Even if contractors are used, accountability remains with the duty holder.
Lessons for Property Managers and Landlords
This prosecution highlights several key lessons:
- Fire Risk Assessments must be in place and kept up to date
- Basic fire safety systems are not optional
- Escape routes must be suitable for the occupants and building layout
- Enforcement action carries serious financial and legal consequences
More importantly, these measures exist to protect lives. Fire safety failures rarely come to light until something goes wrong – and by then, it may be too late.
Getting Fire Safety Right in Berkshire
For property managers and business owners across Berkshire, the safest approach is to be proactive:
- Arrange a professional Fire Risk Assessment
- Act on findings without delay
- Review assessments regularly or when changes occur
- Seek competent advice where required
Fire safety is not a paperwork exercise. It is an ongoing legal and moral responsibility.
If you are unsure whether your premises meet current fire safety requirements, now is the time to act – before enforcement action or a serious incident forces the issue.
Need Expert Help with Fire Safety Compliance?
Cases like this highlight just how important it is to work with competent, experienced fire safety professionals who understand both the legislation and how it is enforced locally.
At ESI: Fire Safety, our fire safety professionals support property owners, landlords, and managing agents across Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire with practical, no-nonsense fire safety solutions.
We can help you with:
- Professional Fire Risk Assessments for commercial and residential buildings
- Clear, prioritised action plans – not just paperwork
- Ongoing fire safety support and compliance reviews
- Advice aligned with current enforcement expectations
Our approach is built on real-world experience, technical competence, and a commitment to no shortcuts in safety.
If you are responsible for a property and want confidence that your fire safety arrangements are legally compliant, proportionate, and properly documented, speak to the fire safety professionals at ESI: Fire Safety today.
Don’t wait for enforcement action to highlight gaps – take control of your fire safety responsibilities now.