Recent wildfires across the UK have highlighted how quickly fires can spread during hot, dry and windy conditions. While properties close to grassland, fields, woodland or heathland may face particular risks when a nearby fire spreads, recent incidents have also shown that fires can affect properties in more populated areas.
Property owners, landlords and those responsible for blocks of flats should therefore consider how a fire in the surrounding area could affect their buildings and the people within them.
Wildfires may not be an everyday concern for most property owners, but having sensible precautions and a clear emergency plan in place can help people respond quickly if a fire threatens a property.
Before an incident or as part of your property emergency plan
- Monitor weather conditions and local fire risk during periods of prolonged hot or dry weather.
- Identify nearby fields, woodland, heathland, standing crops and areas of long, dry grass that could present a fire risk.
- Ensure access routes to the property are kept clear for emergency vehicles.
- Consider more than one access or evacuation route where practicable.
- For blocks of flats, those responsible for fire safety should make sure residents are aware of the building’s fire safety arrangements and evacuation procedures, and that fire safety signage is clear and easy to see.
- Make sure emergency contact details are readily available, including the Fire and Rescue Service, managing agent, building manager and relevant maintenance contractors.
- Ensure fire detection, alarms, emergency lighting and other fire safety measures are regularly maintained.
- Consider how vulnerable residents or anyone who may require additional assistance would be supported during an evacuation.
If a nearby fire occurs
Remain alert for signs of smoke, flames or falling ash.
If a nearby field fire, grass fire, heathland fire or woodland fire threatens your property:
- Call 999 immediately and request the Fire and Rescue Service if there is an immediate risk to life or property.
- Follow the advice and instructions of the emergency services at all times.
- Inform residents, tenants and visitors calmly and clearly.
- Keep access roads and entrances clear for emergency vehicles.
- Close windows and doors if advised to do so.
- If evacuation is required, follow the property’s established evacuation procedures and leave promptly.
- Do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself if doing so would put you or others at risk.
Evacuating a block of flats
If evacuation becomes necessary, the safety of residents should be the priority. Those responsible for the building should ensure that emergency procedures are understood and that escape routes and communal areas are kept clear.
Where an evacuation is required:
- Follow instructions from the emergency services.
- Use the designated escape routes and exits.
- Do not use lifts unless specifically instructed to do so by the emergency services.
- Assist vulnerable residents where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
- Do not return to the building until the emergency services confirm that it is safe.
Help reduce the risk
Simple precautions during periods of heightened fire risk can help reduce the likelihood of a fire starting or spreading:
- Keep areas immediately around buildings free from excessive dry vegetation where practicable.
- Keep gutters and drainage areas clear of dry leaves and other debris.
- Keep bins, garden furniture, sheds and other combustible materials away from buildings where possible.
- Take care when using BBQs, fire pits or any other sources of heat outdoors, particularly during periods of dry weather.
- Where smoking is permitted, provide suitable receptacles for the safe disposal of cigarette ends and keep smoking areas away from dry vegetation and combustible materials.
- Store fuel and other combustible materials safely and away from sources of ignition.
- Keep communal areas, stairways, corridors and escape routes clear.
- Ensure fire doors, smoke alarms and other fire protection measures are maintained in good working order.
- Encourage residents, tenants and visitors to report signs of fire immediately.
Remember
Field fires and wildfires can spread quickly, particularly during prolonged dry weather and windy conditions.
The safety of people should always be the priority, followed by taking reasonable steps to protect buildings and property.
Having an emergency plan, remaining alert to changing conditions and acting promptly can help reduce the potential impact of an incident.
If in doubt, follow the advice of the Fire and Rescue Service and consider early evacuation where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
For further information on wildfires and insurance, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published guidance following recent wildfires across the UK.
The information provided above is intended to support your existing emergency procedures and does not replace advice or instructions issued by the emergency services. In the event of a fire, always follow the direction of the Fire and Rescue Service.
Please note that this guidance is intended to provide practical risk management advice and does not form part of your insurance policy. The cover provided, together with any terms, conditions, exclusions and endorsements, will always be determined by your individual policy wording.
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Landlord Insurance and Block of Flats Insurance, helping property owners navigate the complexities of insurance and risk management.
Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, or residential property owner, call the team on 01242 524498 or email enquiries@lansdowninsurance.com.
Lansdown is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.