Fire service: keep escape routes clear

Anyone living in communal buildings should keep exits clear of clutter

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people who live in flats and buildings with communal escape routes that they must be kept clear. 

They say the problem can be especially bad around Christmas with discarded trees and packaging, but also at other times of the year with buggies, bikes, mattresses and potted plants.

Not only do these block escape routes for firefighters when tackling the fire, They are often the cause of fires in the first place, or fuel them. 

Business Safety Manager, Paul Bray explained: "We all know what it’s like to be drowning in discarded boxes and wrapping paper after Christmas but leaving that rubbish to block stairways and corridors is a fire hazard which puts lives at risk.

"This can be a big problem for our crews at this time of year. As well as providing fuel for fires, Christmas rubbish and other items such as pushchairs or bikes left to block communal areas will become a dangerous obstacle that can slow down firefighters trying to reach a fire and save residents.

"Residents can help by not storing items in communal areas because these can cause fires that spread quickly."

The Service has issued this advice: 

If any residents has concerns about clutter/storage in their means of escape, they should in the first instance raise these concerns with their neighbours. If this does not bring any results please inform your landlord or the management agency. You may also refer the matter to your local housing authority.

If for any reason you cannot speak to your neighbour or landlord about Fire Safety concerns, you can contact Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service on the number or email below. All correspondence will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Contact the Fire Service

Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00. Call 01392 872288 to be put through to your local fire safety team. Email firesafety@dsfire.gov.uk