No ifs, no butts, no BBQS on balconies - staying safe this summer

Discarded cigarette butts, barbecues on balconies and bulky items left in communal areas can all increase the risk of serious fires, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather. Recent wildfires across London have highlighted how quickly fires can spread and the importance of preventing them before they start.

Our Estates teams are also carrying out additional inspections of estates and blocks throughout the summer to identify and address potential fire risks, including bulk waste, fly-tipping and combustible materials left in communal areas.

Cigarettes and fire safety

Cigarette-related fires remain one of the most common causes of fires in the home. If you smoke, please do so responsibly and throw cigarette ends away safely.

• Put a little water in your ashtray and make sure cigarettes are fully put out.
• Never throw cigarette butts from balconies or windows.
• Never smoke in communal areas indoors.
• Take extra care when smoking outdoors during hot, dry weather.
• If you’d like support to quit smoking, visit NHS Quit Smoking.

No BBQs on balconies

Barbecues pose a serious fire risk and must never be used on balconies or in communal areas.

A fire can start quickly and spread to neighbouring homes, putting lives and homes at risk.

To stay safe:

• Never use a barbecue on a balcony, roof terrace or in any communal area.
• Never use a barbecue inside your home.
• If you’re craving barbecue food, use your cooker or an electric grill instead.
• Keep balconies clear of items that could easily catch fire and avoid using them for storage.
• Please report any repair issues with your balcony to our Repairs team.

Help keep communal areas clear

Items left in hallways, stairwells and other communal areas can create fire hazards and block escape routes.

If you’re arranging a bulky waste collection through Tower Hamlets Council:

• Never leave bulky items in communal areas.
• Place items outside the building on the agreed collection day.
• Clearly mark them with your collection reference number.
• Don’t put items out before the scheduled collection date

Helping prevent wildfires

Following several recent wildfires in London, the London Fire Brigade is asking everyone to take extra care during periods of extreme heat and dry weather.

You can help reduce the risk by:

• Keeping outdoor areas clear of rubbish, dead leaves and other flammable materials.
• Disposing of garden waste responsibly.
• If you have a garden, keeping your grass and plants well maintained.
• Storing furniture and other combustible items away from buildings where possible.
• Keeping compost heaps moist and well maintained during dry weather.
• Making sure escape routes from your home are clear.

If you have concerns about overgrown land, rubbish or other fire risks in your neighbourhood, please report them so action can be taken before they become a hazard.

If you see a fire

Wildfires and grass fires can spread very quickly, especially in hot, dry and windy conditions.

If you discover a fire:

• Move to a safe place away from smoke and vegetation.
• Call 999 immediately.
• Give as precise a location as possible.
• Never attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself.
• Stay well away, as fires can spread unpredictably and may continue to smoulder beneath the surface.

For more information about balcony fires, wildfire prevention and fire safety, visit the London Fire Brigade website.

By working together, we can help keep our homes, estates and communities safe throughout the summer.