Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Research findings

Study examines fire safety concerns among high-rise residents

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published findings from a qualitative study on fire safety perceptions among high-rise building residents in England.

The research, commissioned following the Grenfell Tower fire, aims to understand how residents feel about fire safety and what influences their perceptions.

The study, part of the Building Safety Programme, involved nine focus groups with 50 participants from different housing tenures and regions.

It identified key concerns, including fears over evacuation safety, trust in building management, and the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

The findings will contribute to ongoing policy discussions and potential safety reforms.

Trust in building design and management affects fire safety perceptions

Residents’ confidence in fire safety was linked to trust in those responsible for building design, construction, and management.

Some participants expressed concerns that cost-cutting measures take precedence over safety.

Social housing tenants were more likely to feel reassured by their landlords’ fire safety actions, while private renters reported uncertainty over who was responsible for fire safety measures.

Concerns were also raised over building management’s lack of engagement with residents on safety protocols.

Evacuation challenges and fears among high-rise residents

Participants highlighted specific concerns about their ability to evacuate in the event of a fire, particularly those living on higher floors or in older buildings.

Residents with mobility impairments or cognitive conditions were particularly worried about their safety.

Some residents lacked confidence in the fire safety equipment within their buildings and were unsure about proper evacuation procedures.

The research indicated a demand for clearer communication on fire alarms, evacuation strategies, and provisions for vulnerable residents.

Proposals for improving fire safety awareness and engagement

The study explored several proposals to enhance fire safety awareness and resident engagement.

Participants supported the idea of information packs detailing their building’s fire safety features and evacuation procedures.

They also expressed interest in fire safety training courses to improve preparedness.

Residents favoured increased consultation on building improvements but were reluctant to take on decision-making roles due to their lack of technical expertise.

Many supported stronger regulation of short-term subletting, viewing it as a potential fire risk.

Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Summary

A study commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has examined how residents of high-rise buildings in England perceive fire safety.

The research involved focus groups with 50 participants from various housing tenures and regions.

Key concerns included evacuation challenges, uncertainty about fire safety equipment, and a lack of trust in building management.

Residents of older buildings or those on higher floors were particularly worried about their ability to escape in the event of a fire.

Social housing tenants generally felt more reassured by their landlords’ safety measures, while private renters expressed confusion over fire safety responsibilities.

Participants supported the introduction of information packs and training courses to improve awareness and preparedness.

The findings will inform ongoing discussions about high-rise fire safety policies, with a focus on enhancing communication, resident engagement, and regulatory measures.