Fire safety

Blocks of flats have one staircase for escape during a fire. They only need one because blocks of flats have a high level of compartmentation. Compartmentation is the practice of dividing a room, spaces and storeys of a building to delay the spread of fire.

Stairs in estate blocks are protected from fire and smoke. This protection lasts usually one to two hours. 

Stairs are designed to accommodate:

• residents who need to escape from the block during a fire
• firefighters who need access to the property

Read advice from the London Fire Brigade on escape plans