News and Events

A fire at Smart Auto Parts Ltd in Blackburn led to a director receiving a 9-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, 100 hours of unpaid work, and payment of costs for breaches of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005

A fire broke out at the premises on 24 April 2021 at 18:36, engulfing the 50m x 30m car parts breakers and workshop building. At the time, the building contained 16 vehicles and a forklift truck. The blaze, intensified by the presence of acetylene and LPG cylinders and an asbestos sheet roof, caused complete devastation to the structure and its contents. Four days later, firefighters found the body of Mr Waqas Qureshi in a collapsed section of the building.

A fire safety investigation launched by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on 30 April 2021 uncovered multiple serious fire safety deficiencies at the premises, including:

• No suitable fire alarm system

• Blocked and inadequate escape routes

• Lack of emergency lighting

• Absence of staff fire safety training

• No fire risk assessment

On 22 May 2025, Mr Shahzad Syed Haider, Director of Smart Auto Parts Ltd, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to several breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These included:

• Article 8: Failure to ensure general fire precautions for employees

• Article 9: Failure to conduct a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment

• Article 13: Failure to equip the premises with appropriate fire detection and alarm systems

• Article 17: Failure to maintain the fire safety equipment

• Article 21: Failure to provide employees with relevant fire safety training

Area Manager Matthew Hamer says:

“This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of neglecting fire safety responsibilities. These breaches contributed to the tragic death of Mr Waqas Qureshi and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“Every business has a duty to protect its staff and the public. The outcome of this case should serve as a stark reminder that fire safety is not optional — it is a legal and moral obligation.”