Bryant to sue in fire damage case

Bracknell-based Bryant Construction Southern is suing M and J Flat Roofing, of Kempston, Bedford, for damages of more than £1.9m for negligence after a fire on the fourth floor of a new building in, Essex.

Bryant was the main contractor on a new headquarters building for Longman House, which was based ironically at Burnt Mill, Harlow, at the time of the fire. M and J agreed to supply and install a multi-layer roof on the fourth floor for a roof garden at a cost of more than £340,000.

On 21 June 1995, there was a fire on the central roof area of the building causing substantial damage to the main contract works, particularly the roof covering and the structure to the east of the atrium. The writ claims that M and J was the only subcontractor working on the roof when the fire broke out and the firm was using a blowtorch to melt bitumen. The fire was caused by a blowtorch coming into contact with roofing materials or by one of the company's workmen negligently throwing away a cigarette, says the writ.

The cost of reinstating the main contract works was £1.94m.

Bryant claims that M and J is obliged to indemnify it for the cost of the works, other costs and expenses, and the costs of the legal proceedings.