Fire safety in East Village is taken seriously - and for good reason. Most buildings here are designed to be safe, resilient, and well-managed, but knowing what to do (and what not to do) matters.
This page covers the basics you actually need.
Stay Put (Unless You Don’t)
East Village buildings operate a stay put policy.
That means:
- If there’s a fire elsewhere in the building, your flat is designed to resist fire and smoke for a significant period.
- In most cases, the safest option is to stay inside your flat, keep doors closed, and wait for instructions from the fire brigade.
However:
- If you feel unsafe, see smoke entering your flat, or the fire is inside your home, you should evacuate immediately.
- Trust your judgement. The policy supports safety - it doesn’t override common sense.
If you leave, don’t re-enter until emergency services say it’s safe.
Fireworks: Not Allowed
Fireworks are banned across East Village.
They’re a serious fire risk in a dense residential area and can easily spread fire to neighbouring homes and balconies.
This includes sparklers, novelty fireworks, and anything sold with the phrase “it’ll be fine”.
If you want fireworks, London has plenty of organised displays. Your balcony is not one of them.
Balconies Are Not Fire Pits
No fires on balconies. Ever.
That includes:
- BBQs
- Fire pits
- Candles
- Open flames of any kind
Balconies may feel outdoorsy, but fire spreads quickly between buildings - especially above ground level.
If it burns, glows, or needs lighting: keep it inside approved appliances, or don’t use it at all.
A Few Sensible Reminders
- Keep fire doors closed - they do real work.
- Don’t block communal corridors or stairwells.
- Make sure your smoke alarms work (and replace batteries when they don’t).
- If you smell smoke or suspect a fire, report it immediately.
Fire safety isn’t about panic or paranoia.
It’s about knowing the rules, understanding the building, and making decisions that don’t put you - or your neighbours - at risk.