Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (DSFRS) is reminding all residents who live in flats and buildings with communal escape routes that these areas must be kept clear of storage of any type and size. This includes household refuse, abandoned materials, bicycles, prams, and mobility scooters.
Ensuring all passages and corridors that are escape routes remain clear of clutter is an ongoing issue within communal properties andDSFRS remain committed to making sure both residents and visitors are kept safe from fire in communal escape routes.
If a fire were to start in a communal space which is full of clutter/storage the escape routes for the residents could prevent or hinder the safe evacuation of people leaving the building. Clutter/Storage also invites the risk for a deliberate fire being started.
Clutter/storage in escape routes could also affect the speed the fire service would be able to resolve the fire as well as blocking firefighters rescuing the occupants.
What can residents do?
If any resident 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 the Service advise that they inform their landlord or the management agency. The matter can also be raised with the local housing authority.
If you live within the Service area and for any reason you cannot speak to your neighbour or landlord about Fire Safety concerns, you can contact DSFRS on the number or email below. All correspondence will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Contacting Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Telephone – 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
To see targeted DSFRS advice visit Landlords and Letting Agents and High Rise Living
DSFRS offers advice and guidance to business and commerce and the general public on all fire safety matters.
Visit Make the Call to request free Home Safety advice or call free on: now 0800 05 02 999.
For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit www.dsfire.gov.uk
