Balcony fires remain a serious fire safety concern across the UK, particularly in densely populated urban areas where flats and apartments are common. The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2023-2024 presents a comprehensive overview of balcony fire incidents reported between August 1st, 2023, and July 31st, 2024.

Compared to the previous year, balcony fire incidents have decreased significantly, with 220 fires reported, down from 266 the previous year. This represents a reduction of approximately 17%, which is an encouraging trend. However, the number of incidents remains far too high, particularly in high-risk regions such as London, which continues to account for the majority of cases.

While smoking-related fires remain the leading cause, their total increased from 96 incidents last year to 103 incidents this year. Meanwhile, incidents caused by electrical faults decreased slightly from 8 to 7, and barbeque-related fires increased from 16 to 17. These findings underscore the importance of targeted safety measures and awareness campaigns to address preventable risks.

Smoking-related fires continue to be a dominant cause, showing no significant reduction, while electrical faults saw a slight increase from previous years, underscoring the importance of electrical safety in outdoor spaces.

A total of 103 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.

7 balcony fires were attributed to electrical faults, reflecting a slight decrease from last year’s 8 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 17 balcony fires this year, an increase from 16 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 16 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” causes totalled 33 incidents, while 31 incidents were attributed to unknown causes. This highlights the importance of thorough investigation and documentation to better understand the factors leading to these incidents.

The 2023-2024 Balcony Fires Report highlights several critical areas for attention:

The AliDeck Balcony Fires Report 2023-2024 provides a detailed overview of balcony fire incidents across the UK. The findings emphasise the need for ongoing education, vigilance, and preventive measures to mitigate the risks associated with smoking, electrical devices, and barbeques on balconies. By implementing targeted interventions and raising public awareness, we can work together to ensure safer residential environments for everyone.