Fire Safety Risks in Prisons: Government's Broken Commitment

The UK government has abandoned its commitment to make all prison cells in England and Wales fire-safe by the end of 2027, leaving tens of thousands of prisoners at risk. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has acknowledged that approximately 25% of prison cells are unsafe, a situation it has known about for nearly two decades. This decision follows a recent inquest into the death of Clare Dupree, a woman with severe mental illness who died in a cell fire at HMP Eastwood, highlighting the urgent need for fire safety measures.

The Guardian

The inquest jury into Dupree's death identified "missed opportunities" to prevent the tragedy, particularly noting the absence of automatic in-cell fire detection systems (AFDs). Since 2011, there have been at least eight fatalities due to cell fires in prisons. The Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) reports that 44% of prisons are still awaiting the installation of AFDs, which are crucial for timely fire detection.

The Guardian

The MoJ has stated that it will not set a new deadline for compliance with fire safety standards. The department cited limited prison capacity as a reason for the delay, arguing that removing non-compliant cells from use would significantly disrupt the functioning of the prison system and pose risks to public safety. An HMPPS spokesperson emphasized that safety is taken seriously and that measures are in place to protect inmates, including linking every cell to a smoke detection system.

The Guardian

The Howard League, a penal reform charity, has criticized the government's inaction, asserting that it is both legally and morally obligated to ensure the safety of incarcerated individuals. Legal director Gemma Abbott condemned the government's failure to install AFDs in Dupree's cell, stating, "Continuing to keep tens of thousands of people in cells that are a fire risk... is shameful." The organization has threatened legal action against the government if it does not address the fire safety issues in five specific prisons: Swaleside, Eastwood Park, Norwich, Wetherby, and Wandsworth.

The Guardian

While the MoJ has acknowledged the need for AFDs, it has not provided a timeline for their installation. The lack of a new compliance date raises concerns about the ongoing safety of prisoners. Critics argue that the government's response has been inadequate, especially given the long-standing knowledge of fire risks in prisons.

The Guardian

• “Continuing to keep tens of thousands of people in cells that are a fire risk, having known about the problem for almost two decades, is shameful.” — Gemma Abbott, Legal Director, Howard League

The Guardian

• “An HMPPS spokesperson said: “We take the safety of our prisons extremely seriously, and we are carrying out our plans to meet fire safety standards as fast as possible across the estate.” — HMPPS Spokesperson

The Guardian

The situation remains critical as the government grapples with balancing prison capacity and the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures.

The Guardian