A number of fire incidents in Greater Manchester have prompted the local fire and rescue service (GMFRS) to issue a stark warning about the safe use of balconies in residential properties.
On 9 June, GMFRS responded to reports of a fire on the 13th floor of a block of flats in Salford. The fire was caused by a cigarette left in a dry plant pot that ignited the wooden balcony.
GMFRS confirmed that there was significant damage to several balconies as the fire caused the safety glass to shatter and fall onto the floors below. Burning debris also led to a second fire on a balcony further down the building. The service said:
“Thankfully firefighters were able to prevent the fires spreading further and there were no injuries, but there was considerable damage to balconies.”
The following day, a similar fire broke out due to the unsafe disposal of a cigarette on the balcony of a Manchester townhouse, causing damage to one section of the balcony decking. GMFRS later tweeted: “In the last 24 hours firefighters have extinguished two easily preventable fires on balconies in residential flats. Thankfully nobody was hurt, but these types of fire can be devastating. If you use a barbecue on your balcony, you are endangering yourself and your neighbours.”
At the beginning of June, GMFRS also responded to another apartment fire in Manchester caused by a lighted candle. The flames spread from the balcony into the property, causing significant damage to the first-floor bedroom and roof space. At the time, a spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At 3:45pm on Thursday 1 June we received a report about a fire at an apartment on Wisbech Drive, Manchester, involving candles on a balcony and affecting a first-floor bedroom and roof space of the property.
“Three fire engines from Wythenshawe and Altrincham fire stations were quickly at the scene, where they were joined by crew from Marple and a hydraulic platform from Manchester Central. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using three hose reels and used the hydraulic platform and a ladder to gain access to the roof and damp down any hotspots.
“Two people were clear of the property when crews arrived, and they received precautionary checks from North West Ambulance Service paramedics. Crews remained at the incident until the evening.”
The frequency of balcony-related fire incidents has led to GMFRS issuing a warning to residents regarding fire safety advice for balconies, reiterating the care that should be taken when disposing of cigarette stubs and using candles and other flammable items. Head of Protection at GMFRS, Jenni Seex said:
“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.”
GMFRS states that those residents utilising barbecues on balconies could be in breach of their lease or tenancy agreements, adding: “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.”
(Photograph by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service)