Fire service issues warning after cigarettes causes fire at Salford flat

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service are asking residents in flats to take extra care when enjoying the hot weather on balconies, after tackling a fire in Salford.

Crews were called to an apartment block on Blackfriars Road last Friday evening (9th June), where a fire on a wooden balcony on the 13th floor ignited after a cigarette was left in a dry plant pot.

The fire caused the safety glass on the balcony to shatter and fall onto balconies below, while burning debris fell onto a balcony further down causing a second fire.

Firefighters prevented the fires from spreading further and there were no injuries, but there was considerable damage to balconies.

GMFRS’ Head of Protection, Jenni Seex, said: "We want residents to be able to enjoy their balconies but to also ensure they don’t put themselves or anyone else in danger.

“Barbecues and discarded cigarettes are the most common causes of fires on balconies, which is why GMFRS will be taking a tougher approach to residents who put their property and neighbours at risk by having barbeques on their balconies this summer.

“Never barbecue on your balcony as this poses a real risk of fire, due to the close proximity of the buildings. Anyone who does so is endangering themselves and their neighbours.

“If you smoke make sure that cigarettes are properly stubbed out in an ashtray – don’t drop them into plant pots or drop them off balconies as this can cause a fire.”

Similar incidents have been reported in Wythenshawe and Manchester City Centre.

GMFRS will also be working with housing providers and landlords to ensure residents are aware of fire safety advice and, where necessary, supporting action being taken against residents who put others at risk.

The Manchester Cladiators, a housing action group of concerned high rise residents, added:

“It’s frightening how people can think having a barbecue on a balcony is a good idea. Of course, people can and will smoke on their balcony but flicking cigarettes from balconies is antisocial, stupid and dangerous.

“Every year, we see fire incidents soar as soon as the sun comes out. For those of us who live in flats it is vital that we are considerate to our neighbours and follow simple safety measures. Many residents across Greater Manchester are still waiting for major works to be done to their buildings to make them safe.

“This is a worrying time for those residents and the increased anxiety about other people causing fires only adds another layer of distress.”

A zero-tolerance approach to barbeques on balconies is promoted by GMFRS, as they cannot be used safely, and many leases and tenancy agreements contain clauses which prevent people from causing a nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

People putting their building and neighbours at risk could be in breach of their lease or tenancy agreements, and GMFRS will support housing providers and managing agents to take action.

In extreme cases, if residents don’t heed warnings, GMFRS will look at whether legal powers allow the Service to take action directly against residents which would place legal restrictions on how they use their balcony.