Modular building fire risks 'need more investigation'

The Moorfield Hotel was struck by fire last year

Further investigation into the fire risks of modular buildings is needed, according to a report into a Shetland hotel destroyed by fire a year ago.

The Moorfield Hotel, which was built using factory-made rooms stacked on top of each other, burned down in July last year.

A fire service report has been obtained via Freedom of Information laws.

In it, a senior fire engineer seeks more clarification about the 100-bed building's design.

The areas mentioned include fire prevention plans, and the safety certificates for the foam and chipboard panels used.

The cause is thought to have been electrical, but the report said it was possible the "rapid and unchecked" spread of fire was aided by wall or roof cavities.

• Shetland fires 'a warning to modular building industry'

The hotel fire followed the world-famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory being lost to fire in 2019.

Both buildings were less than 10 years old and made from factory-built units, which had been shipped up to Shetland by sea.

Both blazes were particularly severe, and fire crews were unable to stop the spread. No-one was injured in either incident.

The Moorfield Hotel had 70 occupants on the night it caught fire in July 2020.

It was due to close a week later having lost its contract to house gas plant workers.

Modular construction is currently enjoying a boom. It is seen as cost-effective, quick and greener.