Woolworth's retail store, Manchester, May 1979 - Cooke On Fire

Woolworth’s - observations‣ Polyurethane foam upholstered furniture could burn veryrapidly and should not be stored in a retail area. It shouldpreferably be separated from other hazards bycompartmentation.‣ People were unaware of a) the effect of radiation from the hotgas layer travelling rapidly beneath the ceiling, and b) thetoxicity of burning plastics materials‣ Woolworth’s s staff did not immediately raise the alarm‣ Fire training was poor and needed improvement (this shouldinclude a check that exit doors can be easily opened)