Thirteen backs Fire Door Safety Week

The campaign, led by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), raises awareness about the vital role that fire doors play in protecting people and highlights the importance of regular checks, maintenance and good fire safety practices.

We began our programme of fire door inspections in 2021, ahead of the introduction of the Government’s Fire Safety Bill. By starting this work early, its building safety team went above and beyond legal requirements.

Since then, the team has carried out thousands of checks across its homes, as part of an extensive programme of inspections.

Last year alone, the team inspected 2,458 fire doors in 390 buildings and completed 753 repairs at the time of inspection, ensuring that doors were safe, compliant, and ready to do their job in the event of a fire.

As part of this ongoing commitment, the team have worked closely with residents to raise awareness of fire safety and provide clear advice on how to stay safe in their home.

Building safety operational manager Michael Vout said: “The safety of our customers is our top priority. Fire doors are an important part of a building’s fire safety system.

“They’re designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke from one room to the next for between 30 and 60 minutes. This protects lives.

“Residents living in a flat must always think about the impact a fire could have on others living in the same building.

“That’s why we have fire doors. People should not make adjustments or remove to the door closer which affects the integrity of the door in the event of a fire - those adjustments should always be left to us, and we’ll make sure they are done safely to meet the fire safety regulations.

“We’ve continued to invest in fire safety measures to enhance those already in place and give customers peace of mind.

“By working with our customers to raise awareness, we’re making sure that homes remain safe and secure. Fire safety is a responsibility that we all share, and education plays a huge part in that.”

To report any issues, customers and leaseholders should contact the building safety team on 0300 111 1000 or email buildingcompliance@thirteengroup.co.uk

Fire safety advice

• Always keep fire doors closed. A fire door will not stop the spread of fire if it’s left open and it will put lives at risk. 
• Never tamper with a fire door. Making changes to a fire door can stop it from working properly and make it dangerous.
• Report any faults. Fire doors should always close fully. If you notice one that doesn’t, please report it straightaway to our building safety team.