Fire chiefs warn agents, landlord over high-rise risks

Fire chiefs say agents and landlords should do more to plan for the security of their tenants and their assets after latest figures show an average of almost two fires a day in high rise apartments in London alone.

The London Fire Brigade figures show there were 684 fires in high rise flats in 2014 while a survey has revealed that 50 per cent of tenants did not know what action to take in the event of a blaze in their tower.

LFB says it's the responsibility of landlords or their agents to let tenants know their fire plan.

It said they are also responsible for communal areas in purpose built blocks such as hallways, stairways and corridors and the brigade wants to see them do more to ensure they are kept clear.

"Flats and maisonettes are built to give some protection from fire - walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60 - so if there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you are usually safer staying in your flat unless the fire or smoke is directly affecting you is the advice from London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner, Rita Dexter.

"Staying put if you know there is a fire in your building may go against your natural instincts but if you leave your flat you could be running into danger such as choking smoke or equipment being used to fight the fire elsewhere in the block" she says.