Understanding the Prevalence and Causes of Fires on Balconies in the UK: AliDeck Balcony Fires Report
AliDeck is committed to helping our nation move towards a fire safe future. While we primarily aim to achieve this through the manufacture of our non-combustible aluminium component systems, we are also keen to contribute to raising awareness of the issues and highlighting the bigger picture. The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report is our initiative to reveal the prevalence and understand the causes of balcony fires in the UK.
Collating data from Fire Services all around Britain, we are able to make the facts clear; balcony fires continue to happen too frequently, and they are too often caused by entirely preventable actions and behaviours. Please take the time to review our Balcony Fire Reports below to access the shocking data.
AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2023-2024
Balcony fires remain a serious fire safety concern across the UK, particularly in densely populated urban areas where flats and apartments are common. The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2023-2024 presents a comprehensive overview of balcony fire incidents reported between August 1st, 2023, and July 31st, 2024.
This year’s report compiles data from Fire and Rescue Services across the country, offering insights into the frequency, causes, and geographical distribution of balcony fires. With a total of 220 reported incidents, the findings highlight both ongoing challenges and emerging trends in fire safety. As always, our goal is to raise awareness, encourage preventive action, and ultimately reduce the occurrence of such incidents.
Executive Summary
Year-on-Year Comparison
Compared to the previous year, balcony fire incidents have decreased significantly, with 220 fires reported, down from 266 the previous year. This represents a reduction of approximately 17%, which is an encouraging trend. However, the number of incidents remains far too high, particularly in high-risk regions such as London, which continues to account for the majority of cases.
While smoking-related fires remain the leading cause, their total increased from 96 incidents last year to 103 incidents this year. Meanwhile, incidents caused by electrical faults decreased slightly from 8 to 7, and barbeque-related fires increased from 16 to 17. These findings underscore the importance of targeted safety measures and awareness campaigns to address preventable risks.
Smoking-related fires continue to be a dominant cause, showing no significant reduction, while electrical faults saw a slight increase from previous years, underscoring the importance of electrical safety in outdoor spaces.
Detailed Analysis of Causes
1. Smoking-Related Fires
A total of 103 incidents were caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes and discarded matches, making it the leading cause of balcony fires. This remains a major concern, particularly in high-density urban areas like London and Greater Manchester, where many residents live in flats or high-rise buildings. Smoking-related fires accounted for nearly half of all balcony fire incidents, underscoring the need for stricter policies and public awareness efforts.
2. Electrical Faults
7 balcony fires were attributed to electrical faults, reflecting a slight decrease from last year’s 8 incidents. These cases were often caused by faulty wiring or misuse of electrical devices on balconies. With the growing popularity of outdoor lighting and heating systems, it is crucial for residents to ensure their equipment is safely installed, maintained, and used according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Barbeques
Barbeques were responsible for 17 balcony fires this year, an increase from 16 incidents the previous year. These fires were frequently caused by improper handling, leaving barbeques unattended, or using unsuitable equipment on balconies. Promoting safe barbeque practices and encouraging the use of electric grills instead of charcoal or gas could help mitigate these risks.
4. Other Causes and Unknown Incidents
- Matches/Arson caused 16 fires, a significant addition to the reported causes this year. These incidents highlight the need for community vigilance to deter malicious or careless acts.
- Candles were responsible for 2 fires, remaining a relatively minor but preventable cause.
- Fires categorised under “Other” causes totalled 33 incidents, while 31 incidents were attributed to unknown causes. This highlights the importance of thorough investigation and documentation to better understand the factors leading to these incidents.
Causes of Balcony Fires in Great Britain: 2023-2024
Regional Breakdown
Key Insights and Recommendations
The 2023-2024 Balcony Fires Report highlights several critical areas for attention:
Looking forward
The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2023-2024 provides a detailed overview of balcony fire incidents across the UK. The findings emphasise the need for ongoing education, vigilance, and preventive measures to mitigate the risks associated with smoking, electrical devices, and barbeques on balconies. By implementing targeted interventions and raising public awareness, we can work together to ensure safer residential environments for everyone.
UK Fire Service Balcony Fires Statistics 2023-2024
Fire Service | Balcony Fires ’23-’24 | Smoking Related | Electrical Faults | BBQs | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avon Fire And Rescue | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Cleveland Fire Brigade | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
County Durham and Darlington FR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Devon And Somerset Fire And Rescue Service | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Greater Manchester Fire And Rescue Service | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service | 17 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescure Service | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Humberside Fire And Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Kent Fire and Rescue Service | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
Lancashire Fire And Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Lincolnshire Fire And Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
London Fire Brigade | 130 | 72 | 6 | 6 | 46 |
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
North Wales Fire And Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Oxfordshire County Council Fire And Rescue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Shropshire Fire & Rescue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
South Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Warwickshire County Council | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
West Midlands Fire Service | 11 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOTAL | 220 | 106 | 7 | 17 | 90 |
Comprehensive AliDeck Balcony Fire Safety Guide
Mitigating Balcony Fires: General Advice
- No Smoking on Balconies: With smoking-related incidents accounting for 47% of all balcony fires, it’s crucial to establish and enforce no-smoking policies on balconies. Designate specific smoking areas away from buildings.
- Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials: If smoking is allowed, provide proper receptacles for cigarette butts and ensure they are fully extinguished.
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Electrical Safety:
- Regularly inspect all electrical devices and wiring used on balconies.
- Use only outdoor-rated electrical equipment.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
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BBQ Safety:
- If possible, avoid using BBQs on balconies altogether.
- If BBQs are allowed, use electric grills instead of charcoal or gas.
- Never leave a BBQ unattended and ensure it’s fully extinguished after use.
- Clear Balconies: Keep balconies clear of flammable materials such as cardboard boxes, paper, or excess furniture.
- Fire Extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible on the balcony.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular safety inspections of balconies to identify and address potential fire hazards.
- Education: Participate in fire safety education programmes to stay informed about best practices and emerging risks.
AliDeck’s Product Developments for Fire Safety
AliDeck has developed a comprehensive range of innovative products to help reduce the risk of balcony fires:
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Non-Combustible Materials: All AliDeck products are made from aluminium, which is non-combustible and achieves an A2-s1, d0 fire rating. This includes:
- AliDeck Aluminium Decking Boards (Senior, Junior, Lite, XL, and Ultra Board options)
- AliClad Soffit Cladding (Flow, Decor, and Lite options)
- AliRail Balustrade Systems
- A-Fence Aluminium Fencing and Balcony Dividers
- AliDrain Aluminium Drainage Systems
- Fire-Resistant Design: Our products are engineered to resist fire spread, helping to contain any potential fires and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the building.
- Smoke-Free Materials: Unlike some composite materials, our aluminium products do not produce toxic smoke when exposed to heat or fire.
- Comprehensive Drainage Solutions: The AliDrain range offers multiple drainage options including deck-level piped drainage, soffit piped drainage, and edge drainage. These systems help to quickly remove any flammable liquids from the balcony surface, reducing fire risks.
- Electrical Safety: Our systems are designed to accommodate proper electrical installations, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
- BBQ-Safe Surfaces: While we don’t recommend using BBQs on balconies, our non-combustible surfaces provide an added layer of safety if they are used.
- Easy Maintenance: AliDeck products are easy to clean and maintain, helping to keep balconies free from potentially flammable debris.
- Compliance with Regulations: All AliDeck products comply with the latest fire safety regulations, including BS 8579:2020 and the latest NHBC Standards.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With a 30-year warranty and 60-year life expectancy, AliDeck products provide long-term fire safety solutions.
- Versatile Solutions: Our range includes options for various build-up heights and span requirements, ensuring a suitable fire-safe solution for any balcony configuration.
- Integrated Systems: The compatibility between our decking, drainage, balustrade, and fencing systems allows for a comprehensive, fully fire-rated balcony solution.
- Privacy and Safety: A-Fence provides fire-safe options for balcony dividers and privacy screens, reducing the risk of fire spread between adjacent balconies.
Industry Best Practices and AliDeck Solutions
At AliDeck, we work closely with various sectors of the construction and property management industries. We recognise the expertise these professionals bring to their projects and aim to support their efforts in creating safer living environments. Here’s how different sectors are addressing balcony fire safety and how AliDeck’s solutions align with and enhance these efforts:
Steel Fabricators & Balcony Manufacturers
Current Focus:
- Implementing fire-resistant materials in balcony structures
- Ensuring structural integrity to support non-combustible decking systems
- Designing balconies with proper drainage to reduce fire risks
AliDeck’s Collaborative Approach:
- Our aluminium decking systems are lightweight yet strong, making them ideal for integration with steel structures
- AliDeck’s range of joists and pedestals are designed for seamless integration with existing balcony frameworks
- Our AliDrain systems can be easily incorporated into balcony designs for effective water management
Architects, Designers, and Specifiers
Current Focus:
- Specifying materials that meet or exceed fire safety regulations
- Balancing aesthetic appeal with safety requirements
- Designing balconies that facilitate easy maintenance and inspections
AliDeck’s Supporting Solutions:
- Our A2-s1, d0 rated products meet the highest fire safety standards whilst offering a range of attractive finishes
- AliDeck’s versatile product range allows for creative design solutions without compromising on safety
- Our systems are designed for easy installation and maintenance, supporting long-term safety strategies
Developers and Contractors
Current Focus:
- Ensuring compliance with the latest building regulations and fire safety standards
- Managing project costs whilst prioritising safety
- Implementing efficient construction methods to meet project timelines
AliDeck’s Value Proposition:
- All AliDeck products are fully compliant with current regulations, simplifying the compliance process
- Our systems offer a cost-effective solution for long-term fire safety, potentially reducing lifecycle costs
- AliDeck’s quick-fit systems and installation support can help streamline the construction process
Housing Associations & Local Authorities
Current Focus:
- Retrofitting existing buildings to meet new fire safety standards
- Managing long-term maintenance and safety of large property portfolios
- Balancing tenant safety with budget constraints
AliDeck’s Tailored Solutions:
- Our products are ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects, offering flexible solutions for upgrading existing balconies
- The durability and low maintenance requirements of AliDeck systems can reduce long-term costs
- We offer comprehensive support, including CPD sessions and installation training, to ensure optimal use of our products
By choosing AliDeck’s non-combustible aluminium balcony systems, property owners and managers can significantly reduce the risk of balcony fires and create safer living environments for residents. The comprehensive range of products allows for a complete fire-safe balcony solution, from the decking and drainage to the balustrades and privacy screens.
AliDeck’s commitment to innovation and safety continues to drive the development of new solutions to address the evolving challenges of balcony fire safety. We understand that each project has unique challenges and requirements. Our team is always available to discuss how our products can be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that we support your fire safety objectives effectively and efficiently.