West and South Yorkshire rank among top for fire safety breaches

Fire safety remains a major concern across England and Wales, as new data reveals that 752 breaches have been identified by Fire and Rescue Services (excluding London) this year alone, pointing to widespread non-compliance among building owners.

Analysing the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) public enforcement register, safety experts CE Safety, have identified where fire safety notices have been most frequently issued in England and Wales (excluding London) by Fire and Rescue Services (FRS).

Between May 1st 2023, and April 30th 2025, Fire and Rescue Services issued a total of 4,108 statutory notices (excluding London). These are often in response to serious failings in fire prevention and building safety protocols.

The top 10 areas with the most fire safety concerns:

Buildings in the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service area received the highest number of fire safety notices over the last two years, with a total of 338 notices, averaging around 14 notices per month.

West Yorkshire followed closely behind with 317 notices issued, averaging 13 notices per month. Hampshire & Isle of Wight ranked third, averaging 12 notices per month.

South Yorkshire ranked sixth, with the local FRS having issued 167 enforcement notices.

At the other end of the scale, buildings in Hertfordshire received just six notices over the two years, equivalent to one notice every four months. Cambridgeshire issued 12 notices in total, while Northumberland issued 14.

5 essential safety checks to carry out according to a fire safety expert

Check that escape routes are clear and accessible

Make sure all doors, hallways, and windows that could be used to escape in an emergency are easy to open, not blocked by furniture or clutter, and free from trip hazards. Fire doors (if fitted) should close properly and not be propped open. All businesses should also have a written or recorded suitable Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) that has been carried out by a competent person and contains all information regarding every aspect of Fire Safety within the premises.

Make sure fire doors are working properly

If your building has fire doors, check that they close fully on their own, aren’t damaged, and aren’t propped open. Fire doors help contain fires and smoke, giving vital extra time to escape.

Test fire alarm systems regularly

Fire alarm systems should be tested weekly, with comprehensive inspections conducted every six months. They should also be serviced and maintained following the British Standard BS 5839-1. Proper documentation of all tests and servicing should be kept on-site and made available for inspection by fire authorities.

Store flammable items safely

Keep flammable materials like candles, matches, cleaning products, and cooking oils stored away from heat sources and out of children's reach. Never leave candles or cooking unattended.

Know where fire safety equipment is and check that it's maintained

Make sure you know where any fire extinguishers, fire blankets or sprinkler systems are located. In flats or rented homes, communal fire safety equipment (such as emergency lighting, alarms, or extinguishers) should be checked and maintained by the landlord or property manager but you can report anything that looks damaged or missing.

Gary Ellis, Director at CE Safety comments on the findings, “Fire safety remains a critical issue for both property owners and renters alike. Our analysis highlights the areas where Fire and Rescue Services are most actively enforcing regulations, which reflects the ongoing challenges in ensuring buildings meet essential safety standards. Whether you own or rent a building, it’s important to be aware of potential fire risks and take simple steps to protect yourself and those around you. It’s important that everyone regularly checks smoke alarms, understands the importance of fire doors, and keeps escape routes clear. Staying informed and proactive is key to preventing fire incidents and keeping communities safe.”