Each year, AliDeck leads the way in raising awareness of balcony fire safety. As the only company in the UK to independently collate and analyse balcony fire data, our annual Balcony Fires Report provides an unparalleled look into the trends, causes, and risks shaping the safety of residential buildings today.

The findings from our 2024–2025 report reveal a concerning reality — one that highlights how complacency towards combustible materials is continuing to put lives at risk.

Smoking-related fires remain the leading cause, climbing from 96 in 2022–2023 to 103 in 2023–2024, and now 136 in 2024–2025 – representing 44% of all balcony fires. Electrical faults, including vapes, were responsible for 33 incidents, while BBQ-related fires accounted for 20 incidents. Additionally, 43 fires were classified as naked flames/arson, with 44 fires categorised under “Other” causes and 35 incidents having unknown causes. These findings clearly show that a level of complacency has crept in, and underscore the critical importance of targeted safety measures, resident education, and the urgent need for non-combustible materials.

Smoking-related fires continue to be the dominant cause, showing a concerning 32% increase from the previous year, while electrical faults (including vaping devices) also saw a significant rise, underscoring the importance of both behavioural change and electrical safety in outdoor spaces.

A total of 136 incidents were caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes and discarded matches, making it the leading cause of balcony fires.

This remains a major concern, particularly in high-density urban areas like London and Greater Manchester, where many residents live in flats or high-rise buildings. Smoking-related fires accounted for nearly half of all balcony fire incidents, underscoring the need for stricter policies and public awareness efforts.

33 balcony fires were attributed to electrical faults this, reflecting a drastic increase from last year’s 7 incidents. These cases were often caused by faulty wiring or misuse of electrical devices on balconies.

With the growing popularity of outdoor lighting and heating systems, it is crucial for residents to ensure their equipment is safely installed, maintained, and used according to manufacturer instructions.

Barbeques were responsible for 20 balcony fires this year, an increase from 17 incidents the previous year. These fires were frequently caused by improper handling, leaving barbeques unattended, or using unsuitable equipment on balconies. Promoting safe barbeque practices and encouraging the use of electric grills instead of charcoal or gas could help mitigate these risks.

• Matches/Arson caused 43 fires, a significant addition to the reported causes this year. These incidents highlight the need for community vigilance to deter malicious or careless acts.
• Candles were responsible for 2 fires, remaining a relatively minor but preventable cause.
• Fires categorised under “Other/Unknown” causes totalled 79 incidents. This highlights the importance of thorough investigation and documentation to better understand the factors leading to these incidents.

The 2024-2025 Balcony Fires Report highlights several critical areas for attention:

The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2024-2025 provides a detailed overview of balcony fire incidents across the UK. The findings reveal a concerning 44% increase—rising from 215 fires in 2023-2024 to 310 in 2024-2025—reversing previous progress and highlighting that complacency has crept in.

With smoking accounting for 44% of all incidents and one death and eight injuries recorded during this period, the urgent need for non-combustible materials, enhanced resident education, and stricter safety measures has never been clearer. By implementing targeted interventions and raising awareness, we can work together to reverse this dangerous trend and ensure safer residential environments for everyone.