Rotherham flats residents urged “know your fire plan”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have backed a nationwide drive to improve awareness of fire safety for the residents of high rise buildings and purpose built blocks and to encourage landlords and housing providers to act on their fire safety responsibilities.

A spokesman said living in a flat was not more dangerous than living in a house, but it was important residents knew that their fire plan should be different and asked their landlord if there is a specific fire evacuation plan for the building.

Landlords should be able to say if and when a fire risk assessment has been completed — a legal duty for landlords.

SYFR’s head of prevention and protection, Phil Shillito, said: “If you live in a purpose-built block of flats or maisonettes we are asking you to make sure you know what to do if there is a fire inside your home or elsewhere in the building and to know who to ask for advice.

“High rise flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire. Walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a time.

“If there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you're usually safer staying in your flat. If evacuation is necessary, firefighters will initiate this.”