Annual Fire Prevention and Protection Statistics Released

The latest Government statistics reveal increasing fire safety enforcement activity across England, alongside continued investment in prevention initiatives designed to protect vulnerable people and reduce fire risk.

The Government has published its latest Fire Prevention and Protection Statistics for England, covering April 2025 to March 2026. The figures provide valuable insight into fire safety audits, enforcement action and prevention activity undertaken by fire and rescue authorities across the country.

The latest data highlights the continued importance of maintaining effective fire safety measures and ensuring businesses remain compliant with their legal responsibilities.

Key Findings from the Latest Statistics

• 50,195 fire safety audits were completed, with 60% recorded as satisfactory.
• Emergency routes and exits remained the most common area of non-compliance, with breaches increasing by 9.3% compared to the previous year.
• 3,355 formal enforcement notifications were issued, an increase of 11% year-on-year and 46% higher than 2020 levels.
• 1,896 Article 30 Enforcement Notices were issued, making them the most common form of enforcement action.
• 589,278 Home Fire Safety Visits were completed, with 86% targeted at vulnerable households.

Fire Safety Requires Ongoing Attention

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must ensure suitable fire safety measures are in place and undertake regular reviews of fire risk assessments.

The continued prevalence of issues relating to emergency routes and exits highlights the need for organisations to ensure escape routes remain accessible, clearly signed and adequately protected at all times.

Prevention Remains Key

• Keeping fire risk assessments up to date.
• Regularly checking emergency routes and exits.
• Maintaining fire doors and passive fire protection measures.
• Testing and servicing of fire alarm systems as part of a routine maintenance programme.
• Inspecting and maintaining emergency lighting systems.
• Providing fire safety training for employees.
• Recording inspections, tests and remedial actions.
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Protecting People, Property and Business Continuity

The latest Government statistics reinforce the importance of regularly reviewing fire safety arrangements. Effective fire safety management helps protect employees, visitors, property and business operations while reducing the likelihood of enforcement action.

At Firesense, we help organisations maintain reliable, compliant and effective fire detection and alarm systems through expert advice, quality products and ongoing support.