To mark Fire Door Safety Week 2025, Abloy UK is calling for urgent industry action on fire door compliance, following new figures that show a worrying rise in fire-related incidents, deaths, and injuries across England.
The latest government data reveals that in the year to March 2025, Fire and Rescue Services attended 142,494 fires – a 2.5% increase on the previous year. Tragically, 271 fire-related fatalities were recorded, up 8% from 251 in the previous 12 months.
The Compliance Challenge
Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, stressed the critical importance of compliant fire doors in the built environment:
“This year’s Fire Door Safety Week comes at a pivotal time with the rise in fire-related incidents. A compliant fire door can mean the difference between safe escape and tragedy – but only if it’s installed, specified, and maintained to the correct standards.”
Non-compliant or poorly maintained fire doors compromise the integrity of escape routes, putting building occupants at greater risk during an emergency.
Education and Standards
As part of Fire Door Safety Week, the Abloy Academy continues to deliver its free, RIBA-approved CPD: Electrical Locking Fire and Escape Doors. For over a decade, the Academy has provided training on specifying and maintaining compliant fire doors, particularly where access control systems are integrated.
The CPD outlines key compliance requirements, available electric locking options, and how to design systems in line with British and European standards. It covers:
- BS EN 179 Emergency Escape – for occupants familiar with the building environment.
- BS EN 1125 Panic Escape – for public-use environments.
- BS EN 13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems – for use on designated escape routes.
Products Designed for Compliance
Alongside training, Abloy UK provides a comprehensive range of compliant electric locks – including motor and solenoid locks – designed specifically for panic and escape doors, all fully aligned with fire and escape regulations.
Raising Awareness Across the Property Sector
Pat Jefferies concluded:
“Awareness, correct specification, installation and regular maintenance must all work together to keep escape routes protected. By educating property professionals and ensuring compliance at every stage, we can prevent avoidable failures and keep people safe.”
