Fire safety in care homes
Care homes are there to provide a safe and supportive environment for some of society’s most vulnerable people. With residents often having reduced mobility and specific medical needs, fire safety isn’t just a legal requirement but a moral responsibility.
Recent changes in fire safety legislation include a push for wider fire sprinkler installation in care homes, stressing the importance of good fire risk management in this type of setting.
Why is fire safety in care homes important?
Unlike other premises, care homes are occupied by many residents who may not be able to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire. Staff need extra time to assist with various mobility needs, transportation of essential medication and safe exits. Even small fires can escalate fast, placing lives at risk and causing widespread disruption.
Effective care home fire safety measures provide reassurance for residents, families and staff that the risk have been effectively considered. If the worst happens, there should be robust systems in place to save lives.
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What are common fire risks in care homes?
Common fire hazards in care homes includes:
- Electrical equipment – like portable heaters, medical devices and faulty wiring
- Cooking facilities – kitchens can be high-risk areas if not properly maintained
- Smoking – even in designated areas, smoking can cause fires
- Clutter and storage – blocking exits and corridors, making evacuation more challenging
- Laundry equipment – tumble dryers and washing machines in frequent use, which can overheat if poorly maintained
The best way to identify care home risks is with a professional fire risk assessment.
I needed to get all of our fire alarms inspected and had to find a reliable company to carry these out. I was really impressed with the way Michael and the team went through everything. We also found we needed to improve our fire evacuation process during the inspection so it was really valuable to us having them here.
What is the legislation for fire safety in care homes?
Care homes are governed by the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2025. The Responsible Person (usually the care home manager or owner) must ensure all fire safety standards are met in full. This includes regular fire risk assessments for care homes, good fire prevention measures and staff training. Safety standards are also monitored by the HSE and CQC, who can issue improvement notices if fire precautions fall short.
Are fire sprinklers required in care homes?
Following recent updates in legislation, fire sprinkler systems are now a requirement in many care homes. Sprinklers can contain or extinguish fires before they spread, buying valuable time for staff facilitating evacuation procedures. While not all existing care homes are legally required to retrofit a sprinkler system, regulators strongly recommend installing one as best practice. Many providers are choosing to invest in care home sprinklers when conducting essential upgrades, understanding their life-saving benefits.
What about care home PEEPS?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) are vital in care home settings. Every resident should have an individual plan detailing how they will be evacuated during an emergency, taking into account their mobility, health conditions and personal needs. PEEPs ensure staff know the right steps to follow and who is responsible for each resident. Every plan must be kept up-to-date and regularly practised via fire drills, so staff and residents are prepared should a real incident occur.
Care home fire risk assessments in the South East
MD Fire are professional fire risk assessors in the South East, covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond. Contact us now for a free quote.
