Leicestershire sees most fire safety notices outside London

CE Safety has reported that buildings in Leicestershire received the highest number of statutory fire safety notices outside London over the past two years.

The findings are based on CE Safety’s analysis of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) public enforcement register, examining 4,108 notices issued by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2025.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service issued 338 notices during this period, averaging 14 notices per month.

West Yorkshire followed with 317 notices, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight issued 294.

The figures exclude London and provide a regional breakdown of fire risk enforcement activity across England and Wales.

CE Safety publishes full regional breakdown of notice levels

According to CE Safety’s report, the top five regions by total enforcement notices were Leicestershire (338), West Yorkshire (317), Hampshire and Isle of Wight (294), Lancashire (282), and East Sussex (229).

South Yorkshire, Kent, Derbyshire, Merseyside, and Cheshire completed the top 10.

Each region recorded more than 5 notices per month on average.

In contrast, CE Safety found that Hertfordshire recorded just 6 fire safety notices during the same two-year period.

Cambridgeshire issued 12, and Northumberland issued 14.

The data reveals variations in both the volume of inspections and levels of non-compliance identified by local authorities.

CE Safety outlines practical advice for improving safety

As part of its report, CE Safety issued a five-point checklist to support better fire safety in residential and commercial buildings.

The guidance includes ensuring escape routes are clear, checking that fire doors close properly, and testing fire alarm systems weekly.

CE Safety stated that alarm systems should be tested in line with British Standard BS 5839-1, with six-month inspections and written records kept on-site.

Flammable materials should be stored away from heat sources, and occupants should know the location and condition of fire safety equipment.

It added that building managers, landlords, and tenants all have roles in maintaining safety and reporting damaged or missing equipment.

Director says enforcement reflects ongoing risk management challenges

Gary Ellis, Director at CE Safety, commented on the importance of the findings.

Ellis said: “Fire safety remains a critical issue for both property owners and renters alike.

“Our analysis highlights the areas where Fire and Rescue Services are most actively enforcing regulations, which reflects the ongoing challenges in ensuring buildings meet essential safety standards.

“Whether you own or rent a building, it’s important to be aware of potential fire risks and take simple steps to protect yourself and those around you.

“It’s important that everyone regularly checks smoke alarms, understands the importance of fire doors, and keeps escape routes clear.

“Staying informed and proactive is key to preventing fire incidents and keeping communities safe.”

Enforcement activity aligns with building condition, not just population

CE Safety’s analysis shows that enforcement levels do not always correspond with regional population size.

For example, Greater Manchester was not among the 10 highest regions for notices, despite having a larger population than some listed.

The data does not account for proactive inspections versus reactive responses, nor does it specify property types.

However, CE Safety stated that the findings provide a useful indication of local regulatory activity and areas where fire safety risks are more frequently identified.

The NFCC’s public enforcement register remains an open data source available for public review.

Fire risk enforcement highest in Leicestershire and West Yorkshire: Summary

CE Safety analysed 4,108 fire safety notices issued between May 2023 and April 2025.

The data comes from the National Fire Chiefs Council’s public enforcement register.

The analysis excludes London.

Leicestershire issued the highest number of notices with 338.

West Yorkshire followed with 317 notices.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight issued 294.

The regions with the fewest notices were Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northumberland.

The report includes practical fire safety advice.

Recommendations include testing alarms, checking fire doors, and storing flammable items safely.

Gary Ellis, Director at CE Safety, highlighted the need for ongoing awareness and compliance.

Enforcement levels do not strictly follow regional population figures.

The data is publicly available through the NFCC’s register.