Owners of derelict buildings warned about fire risk

Fire officers have been contacting owners of derelict buildings

Fire chiefs are contacting the owners of derelict buildings after a huge blaze at a former pub.

Tyne and Wear Fire Service said it was trying to reduce future risk by alerting owners to the dangers and reminding them of their responsibilities.

More than 30 firefighters were called out to the former Cavalier pub in the Silksworth area of Sunderland in November.

Deputy chief fire officer Stewart Nicholson said the "repercussions" of commercial property fires for the service, residents and the local community were of concern.

To prevent further similar incidents, fire crews and staff have visited other derelict properties in the area to assess their current state, Mr Nicholson said.

"This has been coupled with our arson liaison officer photographing the affected buildings to demonstrate our concerns, identifying the property owners with the help of our community and regional partners, and then contacting them to remind them of their responsibilities," he said.

Owners were required to make their properties and grounds secure to deter trespassers and prevent anti-social behaviour, and to clear flammable waste to remove opportunities for arson, he added.

'Human action'

The Cavalier was already earmarked for demolition and housing development following a recent planning decision by Sunderland City Council, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Northumbria Police said an investigation was continuing into how the fire on the site started.

The fire service said it appeared to have been caused by "human action" and was therefore potentially deliberate.

During an update to the city council's Coalfield Area Committee in December the fire service said the blaze had prompted it to contact building owners across the city.

Shiney Row councillor Mel Speding raised concerns about young people reportedly gathering inside another derelict building - a former social club - saying it was an "accident waiting to happen".