Bucks Fire Warning Over Olympic Rentals

28 March 2012, 12:00

Fire safety officers in Buckinghamshire are reminding homeowners who take in paying guests during the Olympics to make sure they've done the proper fire safety checks.

Government laws say people must do a fire risk assessment. This is a statement of fire risks in the property, and the measures that have been have put in place to address those risks.

They must also have an adequate fire detection and warning system in place, and make sure there's an adequate escape route and that guests know what to do if there's a fire.

Chris Bailey, manager of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's fire safety department, said:

"This is not a special rule that has been brought in for the Olympics - it applies to anyone who offers accommodation on a commercial basis at any time.

"It requires them to take reasonable steps to protect people from the risk of fire when they are using the premises, which we hope to help make as simple a process as possible for them."

People could be fined if they haven't done the proper checks.