What happened to the Rosepark care home?

On 31 January 2004 a fire broke out in the Rosepark care home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire. The fire tragically claimed the lives of 14 elderly residents of the home.

How did the Rosepark care home fire start?

The fire started in a cupboard which contained some combustible items and aerosol canisters. The combined effects of heat and gases moving through poorly fitted and unmaintained doors which were partially open helped the fire spread. Fatalities were caused within seven to eight minutes after the fire started.

The building’s fire alarm system did activate but did not show the location of the fire. Staff took some time at the panel checking the system in order to locate the device that detected the smoke. The home’s policy was to locate the fire before dialling 999 in case of a false alarm.

This delayed the call to the fire service by nine minutes. When the call did come the address was incorrect, delaying them by a further four minutes.

What can the industry learn from the Rosepark care home fire?

An inquiry into the incident lasted 141 days. Sheriff principal Brian Lockhart was reported saying;

“The cupboard in which the blaze erupted should have had fire-resistant doors and been kept shut at all times to stop flames spreading to the corridor. And aerosol cans - which exploded - should not have been stored there.”

"Similarly, bedroom doors should have been fitted with devices to shut them in the event of fire as this would have made a significant difference to residents' survival chances." “Fire dampers - to prevent the spread of smoke through air vents - should have been fitted.”

“A fire alarm panel, clearly showing where the blaze erupted, should have been installed and staff - particularly nurse incharge - trained to use it.”