The Fire Safety Mistakes That Could Cost Lives in Care Homes

Quick Fire Data – What causes fires in residential care homes?

41% – cooking and cookers*
21% – kitchen appliances*
13% – smoking-related*

Data from London-Fire.Gov*

In residential care homes, having a well-prepared escape plan is essential. Would your team be able to quickly and safely evacuate every resident in an emergency?

The Importance of Fire Safety in Care Homes

Fire safety is a fundamental requirement for all residential care homes and assisted living facilities in the UK. These facilities house some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, many of whom may have mobility challenges, cognitive impairments, or other health conditions that make evacuation difficult in an emergency. Installing robust fire safety measures doesn’t just ensure you’re meeting regulatory compliance; it’s about protecting lives.

Every business is legally required to complete a Fire Risk Assessment and develop an emergency plan. Failing to take fire safety seriously means putting vulnerable people at risk. As a professional carer, safeguarding the residents you support should always be a top priority.

Beyond being the right thing to do, fire safety compliance is also a legal obligation. Under the Fire Safety Order and the Care Act, which are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, care homes must meet strict fire safety regulations. Failure to comply can lead to unlimited fines or imprisonment.

Alarming Fire Statistics in Care Homes

Recent government data highlights the common risk of fire incidents in care homes:

In 2022/23, data from the Fire Protection Association shows there were 498 fires in residential care homes, a slight increase from the previous year.
Care home fires accounted for over 50% of all residential home fire incidents in England.
Tragically, elderly individuals over 65 make up the majority of fire-related fatalities, with those over 80 being particularly at risk.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for fire prevention strategies and modern fire safety systems in care facilities.

Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations

Care home managers must adhere to strict fire safety regulations to meet compliance and protect their residents. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires care homes to:

Conduct regular fire risk assessments.
Identify the requirement and implement Personalised Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).
Implement and maintain fire safety measures.
Provide staff training on fire procedures and emergency response.

Failure to do so could result in unlimited fines and custodial sentencing.

Common Fire Risks in Care Homes

Fire safety risks in care homes often stem from everyday activities and building issues. Some of the most frequent hazards to safety include:

Smoking – Carelessly discarded smoking materials or uncontrolled smoking can ignite fires. Smoking should be strictly managed, with designated areas and supervision where necessary.
Electrical Equipment – Fires commonly occur when electrical items are placed too close to flammable materials. Regular testing and maintenance of electrical appliances and wiring are essential.
Spread of Fire – Fire doors being wedged open can allow flames and smoke to spread quickly. Keeping fire doors closed and proper compartmentation of space can help contain fires.

Emergency Planning Risks

Alongside fire prevention, care homes must have well-structured emergency plans. Some common weaknesses in emergency preparedness include:

Outdated or Generic Plans – Vulnerable residents’ needs can change rapidly, so evacuation plans must be reviewed and personalised regularly.
Lack of Fire Drill Practice – Without regular fire drills, staff may be unprepared when an actual emergency occurs.
Inadequate Night-Time Staffing – Fire emergencies can be particularly dangerous at night if staffing levels do not support evacuation procedures.

The Impact of Unsafe Buildings and Cladding Issues

Beyond accidental fires caused by electrical faults, cooking appliances or smoking materials, the very structure of care homes can pose a risk. Defective buildings or unsafe cladding have been responsible for accelerating the spread of fires, leading to devastating consequences. Care home managers, property owners and building managers must conduct thorough fire risk assessments and act on any identified hazards to improve building safety.

How Waking Watch Fire Wardens Can Help

Having a dedicated Waking Watch fire warden on-site adds an extra layer of protection, so that fire safety is actively monitored at all times. Their role goes beyond simply raising the alarm, they are a proactive presence, helping to prevent fires before they start and allowing for rapid response in an emergency. Key responsibilities of a Waking Watch fire warden in a care home would include the following:

Continuous Fire Hazard Monitoring – Regularly reviewing the environment to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards, such as blocked fire exits, electrical risks, or smoking-related dangers.
Educating and Engaging with Residents – Providing guidance on fire safety best practices, especially for residents who may struggle to recognise risks or respond to alarms.
Evacuation Planning and PEEPs Reviews – Assisting in the creation, implementation and review of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), making sure that every resident has a safe, effective escape strategy.
Conducting Fire Drills and Staff Training – Running regular drills and training sessions so that staff and residents know how to respond in an emergency.
Immediate Emergency Response – Reacting quickly in the event of a fire, coordinating with emergency services to evacuate residents safely.

By having a Waking Watch fire warden in place, care homes gain peace of mind knowing that fire safety isn’t just a box to tick, it’s an ongoing, active process that protects vulnerable residents every day.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

For residents who require additional assistance during an evacuation, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are essential. These plans are tailored to individuals who may struggle to respond to alarms or exit the building unaided. Fire wardens play a critical role in identifying residents who require PEEPs. Their responsibility includes making sure that individual’s unique evacuation procedures are rehearsed and understood. They must also coordinate with emergency services to improve response times.

Fire Safety Technology to Protect Care Homes

Modern fire safety systems are designed to detect and suppress fires before they escalate so that staff can respond quickly to minimise the damage and danger. Below we’ve outlined the most important systems every care home should have.

1. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Up to date fire alarms are vital in care homes. Modern systems with smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors provide crucially early warning to both residents and staff.

2. Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems are highly effective in controlling fires before they spread, reducing casualties and property damage.

3. Emergency Lighting and Signage
Clear emergency exit signage and lighting help staff to safely guide residents during an evacuation, especially those with visual impairments or mobility difficulties.

4. Fire Extinguishers and Suppression Systems
Strategically placed fire extinguishers and automatic suppression systems (such as kitchen fire suppression for high-risk areas) help contain small fires before they become unmanageable.

Firefighters’ Tips for Residential Care Homes

When you care for others, you are responsible for reducing their risk of harm and planning how to keep them safe in an emergency. Below, we’ve outlined the key advice from fire safety professionals at the London Fire Brigade.

Encourage smokers to quit or switch to e-cigarettes – If smoking is permitted, enforce strict control measures such as requiring supervision and not allowing smoking in bedrooms.
Regularly update emergency plans – Set reminders to review evacuation plans every six weeks so they remain relevant.
Conduct frequent fire drills and staff training – Practicing means that staff are prepared and confident in an emergency.
Employ Waking Watch fire wardens – Having a trained fire warden on-site provides ongoing monitoring of fire hazards, early intervention and a swift response in an emergency. Waking Watch wardens also assist with evacuation plans, engage with residents and review PEEPs to ensure every individual has the right support.
Install and maintain advanced fire detection and suppression systems – Sprinklers, alarms and suppression systems play a key role in saving lives.
Understand specialist healthcare equipment risks – Oxygen tanks, emollient creams and electrical beds can present additional fire risks. Staff should be trained on how to use these safely.
Provide a zoned fire alarm chart – A clear chart by the alarm panel ensures staff and firefighters can quickly determine where the fire is located.
Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice – Fire safety experts can help care homes implement the latest regulations and best practices.

Every second counts in a fire emergency and care home managers must take proactive steps to keep their facilities as safe as possible. Investing in modern fire safety systems, implementing PEEPs and training fire wardens can prevent tragedies and save lives!

Need Expert Fire Safety Advice and Support?

Triton Security provides expert fire safety solutions designed for residential care homes. From fire alarm systems to risk assessments, we help keep your facility safe, compliant and ready for any emergency. Don’t wait, protect your residents and staff today.

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