Venues across the North East have been issued with a stark warning over the safety of artificial flowers and foliage following the deaths of two diners in Spain.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have asked businesses to take precautions in light of the tragedy at a Madrid restaurant in April. The blaze broke out when staff flambéed food and artificial flowers decorating the venue caught fire.
TWFRS carried out a visit at one bar in Newcastle city centre last month where similar artificial foliage was present, all of which were believed to meet industry standards. However, the service said that when they tested the flammability of the flowers in their training yard, they caught fire at an alarming rate.
