Posted October 6, 2025

Latest Fire Prevention Statistics & Data Released For England

New figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reveal a rise in Home Fire Safety Visits during the year to March 2025, with record support directed towards vulnerable households. The report also tracks progress on smoke alarm ownership, fire safety audits, and enforcement actions. The statistics make for interesting reading with a mixed picture across the country. These findings will guide future prevention work, housing policy, and compliance monitoring across England.

Home Fire Safety Visits

  • 588,855 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) were carried out in England in 2024/25 – up 2.9% on last year, and close to pre-pandemic levels.
  • 85% targeted vulnerable households, the highest share since records began in 2021.
  • 98% of visits were face-to-face, with older people and disabled residents the main focus (388,817 visits).

Breakdown of visits:

  • 166,344 to households with at least one resident aged 65+.
  • 168,261 to households with both an older and disabled resident.
  • 54,212 to under-65 households with at least one disabled resident.
  • 112,306 to households with other vulnerabilities.

Smoke Alarm Ownership

  • 92% of homes in England had a working smoke alarm by March 2024, compared with 87% in 2012.
  • While pandemic-era survey changes affected results, ownership remains a key fire safety indicator.

Fire Safety Audits

  • 51,020 audits completed in 2024/25.
  • 58% rated satisfactory – unchanged from last year, but still the lowest since 2011.
  • Highest audit volumes: Shops (10,106), Care Homes (6,461), Other sleeping accommodation (5,091).
  • Audits of purpose-built flats increased sharply (+61% in 4–5 storey blocks).
  • Average audit duration reached a record 5.2 hours.

Breaches and Enforcement

Most common Fire Safety Order breaches:

  • Article 14 (emergency routes/exits): 10,323 cases (–12%).
  • Article 17 (maintenance): 8,666 cases.
  • Article 9 (risk assessment): 8,471 cases.

Enforcement actions:

  • 2,972 formal notifications issued – up 5.3% on 2024 and 29% over five years.
  • Majority were enforcement notices under Article 30 (1,728 issued).

Wider Fire Protection Activity

  • 47,665 building regulation consultations (+4.8% on 2024; –6.2% over five years).
  • 26,614 other consultations.
  • 119,610 non-statutory fire safety activities, with shops (32,583) the largest category.
  • Average time on non-statutory activity has fallen to 1.2 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Stronger emphasis on protecting vulnerable households.
  • Continued growth in smoke alarm coverage.
  • Audit compliance challenges remain, especially in higher-risk premises.
  • Rising enforcement signals tougher action on non-compliance.

SS Systems provides nationwide services in the installation and maintenance of bespoke fire and security systems. With over 25 years industry experience and technical knowledge we continue to work within some of the country’s finest properties, covering; National Heritage Sites, Educational, Commercial and Industrial buildings.

Our team aims to deliver expert customer care, from site survey to completion through to ongoing maintenance. Developing a lasting relationship with a partner you can trust to protect you and your premises whilst ensuring your businesses and organisations are fully compliant to the latest legal requirements.

SS Systems are CHAS accredited, BAFE registered and, SSAIB certificated with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 & Construction Line approved, so your organisation can be assured that all our fire, security and safety equipment is designed, supplied, installed and maintained in accordance with the latest British Standards.

#FireAlarms #FireRiskAssessment #FireSafetyEquipment #FireAlarmMaintenance #AccessControl #CCTV

    Feel free to share!