A new report from BRE Global outlines the fire risks and dangers posed by balconies in apartment blocks.

The report contains real life case studies of incidents where a fire has broken out on a balcony, as well as practical advice for fire risk assessors on how best to mitigate the threats of a similar incident.

The report states: “With the high demand for housing and the desire for home owners to have private outdoor space, it is likely that the presence of balconies in developments will become much more frequent than at present.

“As such, despite no specific requirement in Part B of the Building Regulations (with the exception of means of escape balconies), property developers, designers, specifiers, managers and risk assessors all need to be mindful of the potential fire risks associated with fire on balconies from their incorporation into the building, especially from the materials used to meet other Building Regulations requirements.”

Download the report.