‘Efficient’ fire alarm ensures no casualties in wedding reception blaze

Guests at a Cheshire castle which was due to hold a wedding reception earlier this year were saved by the ‘efficiency’ of a fire alarm, it has been claimed.
Bridegroom Max Kay of Liverpool started the blaze at Peckforton Castle Hotel in Tarporley at 5am on 19th June after drinking a large amount of vodka.
At Chester Crown Court, the 36-year-old admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered but denied a charge of arson with intent to destroy or damage property and to endanger life, which was accepted by the prosecution.
Around one hundred firefighters tackled the fire at the 19th century country house and had to evacuate 200 people.
Prosecutor Duncan Bould attributed the fact that no-one was injured in the blaze to the work of the castle’s staff and its fire detection system.
He said: “There were a large number of guests staying that night.
“Fortunately, and it is good fortune, the premises was equipped with a very efficient fire alarm and the combination of that and the staff meant that all the guests were able to be evacuated.”
The fire is estimated to have caused approximately £6 million worth of damage.