What are the Fire Safety Regulations In England?

Fire safety regulations explained for England
January 23, 2026

You live or work in a shared or commercial building in England, and are concerned about the safety from fire. There is no need to worry because the Fire Safety Regulations UK set clear rules to protect everyone from fire risks. These regulations make building owners and managers accountable for fire assessments, alarms, and emergency routes. You can also get guidance from the Property Management Company, which offers comprehensive property management services to help your building meet all fire safety requirements.

Fire safety rules for different building types

Which Buildings Are Covered By The Fire Safety Regulations?

Different types of buildings have specific rules for the protection from fire hazards, which are explained below in detail:

Multi-Occupied Residential Buildings

In these buildings, many people live under the same roof, such as in shared housing, flats, or apartments. These buildings require extra safety because residents share the corridors, stairwells, and lifts. It is the responsibility of landlords and managers to secure safety by installing fire alarms, fire doors, and signage. Professional block management services can ensure these requirements are consistently met.

Buildings Over 11 Metres in Height 

The building blocks that are bigger than 11 meters need specialised protection from fire hazards. Because it is difficult to manage or control the fire in these premises. These buildings must have fire safety measures, including stricter alarms, fire doors, and evacuation plans. The responsible persons must provide safety information to residents and maintain all fire safety equipment to protect residents and occupants. He should also carry out annual checks on flat entrance fire doors.

High-Rise Residential Buildings 

Residential buildings that are more than 18 meters are called high-rise buildings. These require additional safety checks than other buildings, such as 

  • Secure Information Boxes
  • External Wall Systems
  • Building Plans
  • Lifts and Other Key Fire-Fighting Equipment
  • Wayfinding Signage
Key phases of England fire safety reforms

What Are the Phases of Fire Safety Reforms in England?

Here are three key phases of fire safety reform in England that have updated the 2005 Fire Safety Order (FSO)

PhaseRegulationPurpose
Phase 1Fire Safety Act 2021It clearly says who is responsible for fire safety in shared areas of buildings.
Phase 2Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022It adds extra fire safety duties for taller residential buildings in England only.
Phase 3Building Safety Act 2022 (Section 156 changes)It updates and strengthens the existing fire safety rules for all buildings covered by the fire safety law.
Phase 4Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025Will introduce mandatory Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (Residential PEEPs) for vulnerable residents and Building Emergency Evacuation Plans (BEEPs) for high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings. Coming into force 6 April 2026.
Responsibilities of designated persons under fire regulations

What Do the Regulations Require Responsible Persons To Do? 

The responsible person for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises can be an employer, the owner, the landlord, an occupier, or anyone else with control of the premises. For example, a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent, or risk assessor.

The key responsibilities of the RPs are given below 

  • Regularly review fire risk assessments.
  • Communicate identified risks to staff and representatives.
  • Establish and maintain fire safety measures.
  • Prepare emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Deliver fire safety training and information to staff.
Key equipment required for fire safety measures

What Is The Essential Fire Safety Equipment?

Some of the important fire safety equipment that helps to minimise the fire risk is explained below:

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems are installed in buildings to protect property and life. Systems must comply with BS 5839-1 for non-domestic premises or BS 5839-6 for domestic premises.

Fire Extinguishers and Fighting Equipment

This equipment is essential for controlling small fires and keeping everyone safe in a building. The common equipment includes water extinguishers, COâ‚‚ extinguishers, and fire blankets, all of which should be positioned in easily accessible locations near exit areas.

Emergency Lighting 

These lights are used in the case of an emergency to guide occupants to escape from a building during power failures or fire emergencies. It includes exit signs, corridor lights, and stairwell illumination that are used in evacuation routes to make them visible even in smoke or darkness.

Fire Doors

Fire doors are specially designed doors that resist fire and smoke. They should be installed in stairwells, corridors, between flats, and at entrances of high-risk areas.

Signage and Wayfinding

Signage and wayfinding are essential for helping occupants and emergency responders to make a building safe during a fire or power outage. This includes exit signs, directional arrows, floor maps, and stairwell indicators, which must be clearly visible and well-lit at all times.

Responsibilities For Building Owners and Managers

Responsibilities For Building Owners and Managers

  1. Conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify hazards and evaluate risks throughout the building.
  2. They must maintain smoke detectors, alarms, and automatic fire detection systems to ensure they work at all times.
  3. It is compulsory to install equipment, such as extinguishers, fire blankets, and sprinklers in required locations.
  4. Fire doors should be fitted in stairwells, corridors, and flat entrances.
  5. Keep all corridors, stairwells, and exit paths clear of obstructions for safe evacuation.
  6. They should maintain exit signs, emergency lighting, and floor maps for proper wayfinding.
  7. They should also share building plans and details of external walls with local fire and rescue services.
  8. Managers must train staff and residents on evacuation procedures, alarm responses, and safe use of fire equipment.
  9. Responsible persons must conduct regular inspections and keep records of maintenance, checks, and training to comply with regulations.
People and buildings affected by fire regulations

Who is Affected By The Fire Safety Regulations?

Responsible persons, building owners, and managers of non-domestic and multi-occupied residential buildings are affected by the Fire Safety Regulations. The reason is simple, that there are stricter rules for high-rise buildings. That’s why the rules focus on careful safety checks, sharing clear details with fire services, and simple steps that help people feel protected during emergencies.

Conclusion

Fire safety regulations in the UK have evolved over time to protect everyone, especially residents in high-rise and multi-occupied buildings. By following these rules, clear responsibilities, proper equipment, and personalised evacuation plans ensure people feel safe and supported during emergencies. As a result, adhering to the regulations not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind to everyone living, working, or visiting these buildings. Need help ensuring your property meets fire safety regulations? Contact Property Management Company UK for professional support with compliance, fire risk assessments, and ongoing property management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The regulations apply to non-domestic buildings and shared areas in residential properties across England. The rules are used to protect people in places where fires can affect many lives at once.

Yes, shared spaces like corridors, stairways, and entrances must follow the rules. These areas are required because unsafe spaces can put every resident at risk.

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever changes occur in the building. This helps prevent small issues from turning into serious dangers.

Building owners, landlords, or managing agents are usually responsible. They carry this duty to keep everyone inside the building safe and sound.

Costs vary depending on building size and required safety measures. While it may feel expensive, it is far less than the cost of lives lost.

Residents must receive clear instructions about fire risks, escape routes, and fire doors. This information helps people stay calm and act quickly in emergencies.

Yes, residents can raise concerns with building managers or local fire authorities. Speaking up can prevent accidents and protect neighbours and families.

New buildings often have additional or updated requirements under building regulations. Older buildings must still meet current safety rules to protect occupants.

Staff should receive basic fire safety and evacuation training. This builds confidence and reduces panic if a fire ever occurs.

Non-compliance can result in fines or legal consequences. So, every building should have a properly installed system to survive the unexpected conditions.

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