Smoking on balconies: why the rules matter
Balconies provide valuable outdoor space for residents, offering somewhere to relax and enjoy fresh air. However, they can also present fire safety risks if not used responsibly.
Some residents may be aware of an incident over the weekend where a discarded cigarette butt started a small fire on a balcony.
In higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs), preventing fires from starting is one of the most effective ways to protect residents, visitors and the wider community. This is why smoking on balconies is not permitted and why understanding the reasons behind this is important for everyone living in the building.
Remember: small actions can make a big difference in keeping you and your neighbours safe.
Why is smoking on a balcony a fire risk?
Cigarette butts and ash can remain hot long after they appear to have been extinguished. A dropped cigarette, ember or other smoking material has the potential to start a fire.
Many balconies contain items that can fuel a fire, including:
• Outdoor furniture and cushions
• Artificial grass or timber decking
• Plant pots and dried vegetation
• Decorative items
• Stored belongings and packaging
Wind can also play a significant role. Ash and embers may be carried onto neighbouring balconies, into communal areas or to other parts of the building, creating risks beyond the immediate area.
Fire safety is about protecting everyone
One of the challenges of living in a residential building is that the actions of one household can affect many others.
A fire that starts on a balcony can spread to neighbouring properties or affect multiple floors of a building. Smoke can also travel quickly, impacting residents who may be nowhere near the source of the fire.
While significant work is being undertaken across East Village and the sector to improve building safety, preventing accidental fires remains a key part of protecting residents and reducing risk.
Understanding why
The ban on smoking on balconies is not intended to restrict residents unnecessarily. It is a fire safety measure designed to help reduce the likelihood of an incident that could put people, homes and property at risk.
Building safety relies on a combination of physical measures, management arrangements and resident cooperation. Following the rules in place helps support the effectiveness of wider fire safety strategies and contributes to a safer environment for everyone.
Supporting a safer community
Fire safety is most effective when everyone plays their part.
Building owners, managing agents, accountable persons and contractors all have responsibilities for managing and improving building safety. Residents also have an important role to play by following fire safety guidance and helping to reduce everyday risks.
By understanding the reasons why we don’t allow residents to smoke on balconies and supporting the measures in place, residents can help protect their homes, their neighbours and the wider community.
