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Questions over fire safety standards in Wales have been raised following the catastrophic New Year’s blaze that killed 40 people in a Swiss ski resort.

South Wales East Senedd Member Peredur Owen Griffiths raised the issue with Eluned Morgan during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday January 13.

Mr Owen Griffiths, of Plaid Cymru, pointed to the incident at the Crans-Montana resort, where 116 people were injured – 83 of which are being treated for severe burns.

He said: “We can’t be complacent that something like this couldn’t, potentially, happen in Wales.

“A part-time member of my staff, with over 40 years’ experience in the fire safety sector and the owner of a fire safety company, believes it’s questionable whether all premises in Wales have been established, managed and maintained to provide a safe environment.

“This is particularly the case for events at venues that are occasionally used for such events. There is a case to be made that a regime of during performance inspections should be reintroduced to provide enhanced safety.”

Mr Owen Griffiths continued: “Is this something that you would consider? And has your government considered fire safety in the wake of the Swiss Alps tragedy?”

Responding, Baroness Morgan offered her sympathies to those affected by the “terrible tragedy” and said: “I think it’s really important that we don’t speculate too far. There’s still an investigation being undertaken.

“Businesses here are subject to stringent regulation, but I take your point that if there’s a temporary situation then perhaps we need to make sure that that happens.

“I will ask officials to make sure that we look again at the situation in Wales if anything comes out of the findings of that fire in Switzerland.”

Baroness Morgan also pointed to the “significant” decline in fires and fire casualties in Wales over the past decade, which she said “reflects the emphasis we and the fire and rescue service place on fire safety and prevention”.

She added: “Our Building Safety (Wales) Bill will create even stronger safeguards for blocks of flats and similar buildings.”