Pier fire raises questions about responses to fire alarms

A fire safety expert has raised concerns about changes to fire alarm responses over the past few years, after it was revealed that the fire which destroyed Weston-Super-Mare pier had been burning for five hours before the fire service was alerted.

Avon Fire and Rescue says a fire alarm was activated at 1.35am on 28 July, but crews were not called out until about 6.45am.  

The alarm system was linked to a private company which alerts pier employees to check if the alarm is genuine befo... (582 more words)

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