Safety warning to managing agents over new-build flat fires
Summary
Data from Drax Technology indicates that more than 1,200 fires in purpose-built flats across England occurred where no fire alarm was present, with additional incidents involving faulty, incorrectly installed or poorly maintained alarms. The findings highlight cooking-related ignition sources as the most common cause and point to significant gaps in alarm visibility and maintenance across residential buildings.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors involved in managing, inspecting or advising on flats need to be alert to fire alarm presence, condition and maintenance as part of building safety and compliance oversight. The article reinforces the importance of identifying defects before an incident exposes them.
Key points
- 1,205 fires were recorded where no alarm was present.
- A further 30 fires involved faulty or incorrectly installed alarms.
- Missing or defective batteries were identified in 21 incidents combined.
- Cookers and ovens were the most common ignition source.
- The article calls for better visibility of fire safety risks and maintenance failures.
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