Couple Faces £350,000 Liability for DIY Fire in Neighbour’s Home

A couple has been ordered to pay £350,000 after faulty DIY wiring they installed led to a fire that destroyed their neighbour’s house in Calder Vale, near Preston. The High Court in Manchester ruled that Turney and Sue Logan are liable for the blaze, which not only consumed their own home but also severely damaged the property of their neighbour, Christopher Stanley-Smith, in May 2018. This case highlights the critical importance of using qualified professionals for electrical work.

The fire originated from a garden shed where the Logans had stored a freezer. Investigators suggested that the cause could either be an electrical fault related to the amateur wiring or a discarded cigarette. The Logans had not sought the expertise of a licensed electrician for the wiring, which had been done by Mrs Logan’s ex-partner over a decade earlier. The judge noted that this individual had no formal training in electrical work and was described as an “office worker” rather than an electrician.

Judge Stephen Davies emphasized that the Logans failed to ensure the safety of their electrical installations. The wiring, which consisted of a domestic-grade extension lead, was not appropriate for outdoor use. The judge stated, “Neither Mrs Logan nor Mr Logan gave the question of whether the cable constituted a safety risk any real thought.” Despite being aware of the dangers posed by incorrect electrical installations, Mrs Logan used the faulty setup for years without reassessing its safety.

The court heard that the fire spread quickly from the shed to an adjacent conservatory and then to the two terraced houses. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, deploying eight engines and aerial support, but ultimately could not save the properties. The presence of a propane gas cylinder near the shed complicated the firefighting efforts, raising safety concerns.

In his ruling, Judge Davies expressed sympathy for the Logans but found that they did not meet their duty of care to their neighbouring property owners. He outlined that Mrs Logan had previously authorized her ex-partner to install the wiring, despite knowing he was not qualified. The judge noted that she had used the installation for an extended period, which should have prompted her to consult a qualified electrician.

The judge further explained that had the Logans sought professional advice, they would have been informed about safety requirements and the inadequacy of the existing setup. He concluded, “Had they received that advice, they would have acted on it and the fire would not, on the balance of probabilities, have occurred.”

This landmark ruling serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners considering DIY electrical work. The significant financial implications, coupled with the potential for devastating consequences, underscore the necessity of engaging qualified professionals for electrical installations. As home improvement projects continue to gain popularity, the case of the Logans serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in neglecting safety standards.