Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans)

Due to the introduction of Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, coming into force on Monday 6th April 2026, there is a new initiative to improve the fire safety and evacuation of residents of specified residential buildings in England, for those who would have difficulties evacuating the residential building by themselves in the event of a fire. This may be due to a physical mobility issue, some other disability such as having a sight or hearing impairment, or a cognitive condition.

LFRS will soon be writing to all responsible persons of residential premises in scope of the new regulations, which will confirm how LFRS wants to have RPEEP information provided to us to help support our operational response planning.

The new legislation applies to:

  • all buildings in England that are high-rise residential buildings, that is, buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises (‘multi-residential’) that are at least 18 metres above ground level or have at least 7 storeys), and

  • all multi-residential buildings more than 11 metres in height above ground level (typically a building height of 5 storeys or more) that have simultaneous evacuation strategies in place.

The Residential PEEPs process includes a suite of measures which should be undertaken by the Responsible Person: Residential PEEPs: Factsheet

The Responsible Person should identify relevant residents: those for whom the specified building is their only or principal residence, and whose ability to evacuate without assistance in the event of a fire is compromised as a result of their impairment or condition.

What is required?

  • A person-centred fire risk assessment – typically centred on a conversation between the Responsible Person and the resident – to understand their particular risks and identify how their fire safety and evacuation can be enhanced.

  • An emergency evacuation statement setting out what the resident should do in the event of a fire (if agreed between the Responsible Person and the resident).

  • Information for the local Fire and Rescue Authority regarding the location and indicative level of assistance needed by residents who have engaged with the Residential PEEPs process, to inform Fire and Rescue Services’ operational response in an emergency where necessary, and in the rare case that they need to support these residents’ evacuation (where the resident has explicitly consented to the sharing of that information) and also where the Fire and Rescue Authority initiate the evacuation of the building.

  • This information should be provided to the local authority in an onsite Secure Information Box. Further provisions, information and guidance will be issued regarding methods for submitting any information digitally.

  • Information gathered should be subject to regular reviewing every 12 months.

For further advice and guidance, please contact the Built Environment Team builtenvironmentteam@lancsfirerescue.org.uk