Landlords have been informed that they could face jail if they do not ensure their premises meet fire safety standards.

Cleveland Fire Brigade have issued these warnings and are requesting that letting agents, landlords and property owners contact them to ensure their fire safety procedures currently in place are adequate.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) came into force in October 2006. This stipulates that fire safety in almost all business, commercial and non domestic premises is the responsibility of the employer or owner of the building and a fire safety risk assessment should be undertaken.

Barry Waller, head of fire engineering at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "We want to ensure the safety of everyone in our community and can offer help and advice to those who own properties which they rent out. We have already been contacting landlords, property owners and letting agents in the local area which we will continue to do."

A fire caused by serious breaches in fire safety regulations has resulted in a £17,000 fine and a warning issued to the owners.

In 2007 a fire broke out at Sollys Restaurant in Golders Green and fire crew members indentified nine breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order as well as staff members attempting to tackle the fire themselves, stopping to collect personal belongings or simply ‘running around in confusion’.

The fire destroyed the roof of the restaurant and required six fire engines and 30 fire fighters to control. During this time various hazards were discovered by the firefighters including a locked emergency exit, an absence of smoke and fire detection devices and obstructed escape routes.

The assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation said the lack of a clear fire plan could put peoples lifes at risk. “All premises owners and operators must make themselves aware of the regulations, to undertake a fire safety risk assessment, act upon its findings and put in place an emergency plan.”

The fire was found to be caused by the inadequate cleaning of the kitchen extract ventilation system.

A new public service fire safety ad created by digital media agency Wonky is due to be aired on TV very soon.

The ‘Plan a Safe Escape’ focuses on the importance of a fire safety escape plan and is part of the Communities and Local Government ‘Fire Kills’ initiative. ‘Fire kills’ have been responsible for a number of thought provoking fire safety campaigns including the most recent Julie Walters fronted ‘Pull Your Finger Out’.

This ‘Plan a Safe Escape’ is a departure from the traditional style formerly used by these adds and instead incorporates animated sequences. The 30 second film describes how to plan a safe escape in the case of a fire, planning, having an alternative fire escape route, ensuring exits are kept clear and having keys always to hand. The narrator is Shameless actor Sean Gilder.

Interestingly, further animation work by Wonky will used in an online viral fire safety game called Fire Kills Challenge.