Portelet Manor, in Florence Road, was issued the fine after serious fire safety breaches were identified at the home in connection with the incident.
A vulnerable resident at the Boscombe care home died in hospital 11 days after suffering significant burns while smoking in a designated area on June 19, 2023.
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Portland Manor care home, Florence Road (Image: Google Street View)
Sentencing took place at Poole Magistrates’ Court on March 31 after the company pleaded guilty to a charge brought forward by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).
Portelet Manor Limited pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that put people at risk of death or serious injury, specifically to article 11, in that they failed to ensure appropriate fire safety arrangements were in place.
The company was also ordered to pay £22,000 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
According to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service, the breaches related to failures in appropriate fire safety arrangements to protect lives.
Portelet Manor Limited admitted failing to ensure proper fire safety management, putting people at risk of death or serious injury.
Tom Huntley, fire safety prosecution manager for DWFRS, said: “Firstly, the thoughts of us all at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service remain with the loved ones, friends and family of the person who tragically lost their life.
“Public safety is our highest priority, and the court’s finding should serve as a clear message to everyone in Dorset and Wiltshire about the importance of fire safety.”
Although Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) was not called to the scene in 2023, they launched a fire safety investigation after being notified of the incident.
Mr Huntley from DWFRS said: “We are fully committed to supporting businesses and Responsible Persons to ensure the safety of the public.”
“However, where there is a failure to comply with legal requirements, DWFRS will pursue prosecution action where it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so.
He added that this case highlights the very serious consequences of failures in fire safety management.
The care home has been contacted for a statement.