Can your business rise from the ashes? Clayton Ellary With drought conditions deepening in South Africa, fire risks increase, demanding more stringent fire risk mitigation and planning. A recent review of commercial fire claims and business shutdowns by authorities due to non-compliance with regulations suggests that business operators are not heeding this call seriously enough. According to Clayton Ellary, a Senior Account Executive at Aon South Africa , fire is an underrated risk, particularly in South Africa. “Failure to comply with the statutory requirements and codes of practice for fire protection can leave business stakeholders in severe financial crisis and with potential legal implications. The costs arising out of the loss of life, assets and business interruption can amount to millions of Rand in damages and liability claims. Despite the risk to business continuity, financial security and brand reputation, many business owners remain indifferent to the domino effec...