Office Temporary Closure

📢 Important Notice
Please note that our offices will be temporarily closed on Friday, 18th July from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM for a staff event.
📞 Emergency support will still be available during this time.

Thank you for your understanding!

📧 sales@smithsfire.com | 📞 01536 484846

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July 2025

June 2025 Round‑Up & July Preview

As June draws to a close here in Kettering, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the key fire safety events of the month followed by a look ahead at July.

June began a significant incident when the massive blaze at Northampton’s Nene Valley Retail Park tore through the Dunelm store on May 31 and spread to Pets at Home. Fire crews worked rapidly to evacuate staff, pets, and customers, and the site remained under active control into early June as investigations continued. The incident reminded us how swiftly fires can escalate in commercial environments and why robust alarm systems and evacuation plans are vital. It has since reported that police have charged a 15 year old with arson, with two other youths on bail.

Community safety was centre stage too. On June 21, Northampton’s Market Square hosted the fun and informative #StaySafe4Summer event. Emergency services, including Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue, provided family-friendly demos, from fire engines to CPR tutorials, helping to raise awareness on summer fire and water safety. Fire safety teams even teamed up with PAW Patrol’s Marshall, making safety education engaging for all ages.

The end of June saw police and fire teams working together across West Northamptonshire to promote Anti‑Social Behaviour Awareness Week (June 30–July 6). Teams visited neighbourhoods to discuss reporting crime and creating safer environments—tying in closely with the region’s broader “Summer of Safety” campaign.

Heat warnings and hot weather brought fresh warnings about BBQs and countryside campfires with Northants Fire & Rescue urging residents to follow safety advice like monitoring flames and ensuring proper extinguishing practices.

Looking ahead, July continues the theme of community connection and practical engagement. On July 4, the Great Fire Symposium at the University of Northampton examined the town’s 1675 fire, offering historical insights and lessons for modern fire prevention.

Northants Firefighter Challenge kicked off at Rushden Lakes, showcasing the fitness, teamwork, and resilience of Northamptonshire’s fire crews in a public arena.

On July 19 and 27, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue—alongside the police and local crime commissioner—will open its doors for free Community Open Days at Wicksteed Park (Kettering) and Delapre Abbey (Northampton). These events invite everyone to explore fire‑service vehicles, equipment demos, and meet the human faces behind the uniforms.

Enjoy a safe summer and stay tuned for next month’s update as we continue to look after your fire safety.

June 2025

May Round-Up & a Look Forward to June

Hello from Smiths Fire LLP in Kettering! Welcome to our first blog post. Let’s reflect on some important fire safety events from May and to look ahead at what June holds for us.

In May, Northampton commemorated the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1675. The celebrations kicked off with the traditional Oak Apple Day parade at All Saints’ Church, community events, art installations, light shows, and exhibits. It’s a powerful reminder of how fire safety isn’t just about equipment, but about the spirit and readiness of the community.

On a more sobering note, May also saw the tragic fire in Bicester that claimed the lives of two firefighters and a civilian. The National Fire Chiefs Council issued a heartfelt statement highlighting the ongoing need to review and improve safety measures for those who risk their lives to protect us. This incident reminds us of the bravery involved in fire safety and the importance of continual vigilance.

A fire at London’s Maida Vale electrical substation disrupted London’s Tube lines, underscoring that fire safety must extend beyond homes and offices to critical infrastructure, where the impact of a fire can be felt city-wide.

Closer to home, the major fire at Nene Valley Retail Park in Northampton, which started on May 31 at the Dunelm store and quickly spread to the adjacent Pets at Home, which also housed a veterinary practice. Thanks to the swift response from the fire and rescue teams, all staff, customers, and even the animals were safely evacuated. The scale of the blaze was substantial, with multiple fire crews working hard to contain the fire over several days. Investigations are ongoing, and police have arrested individuals on suspicion of arson. This event is a stark reminder of how quickly fires can escalate in commercial environments and the importance of effective fire detection, prevention, and emergency planning.

Locally, Corby Fire Station hosted a “Have-a-Go” recruitment event, welcoming members of the community to experience what being a firefighter is really like. These kinds of events bring fire safety closer to home, fostering awareness and encouraging people to get involved.

Looking ahead, June is packed with industry events. The FSM Live conference in Coventry on June 5 will unite 450+ professionals to discuss innovations and training. The Fire Safety Live event at Olympia will feature practical demonstrations and expert talks on topics from high-rise evacuations to smoke systems.

On June 24, a webinar will focus on Martyn’s Law, upcoming legislation designed to improve safety at public venues, with insights from campaigner Figen Murray OBE. This is a must-attend for business owners looking to stay ahead of compliance requirements.

At Smiths Fire LLP, we continue to offer tailored fire-risk assessments, expert installation and maintenance of extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting systems, as well as comprehensive fire safety training. Whether you’re a business or homeowner, we’re here to guide you through evolving regulations and help you stay safe.

 

– Serena Smith-Buchanan, Managing Partner

New Fire Safety Rules: Key Updates for Managing Agents

Guidance includes information on how to safely buy, store and charge e-cycles and e-scooters

The government has released information today (1 February 2024) on how to safely purchase, charge, and use e-bikes and e-scooters.

They also remind people that e-scooters can only be legally used on roads as part of an official rental trial.

This announcement follows last year’s fire safety advice from the Home Office. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is conducting a safety study on lithium-ion batteries used in e-cycles and e-scooters and taking enforcement action against unsafe products.

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