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