A critical incident has been declared in Brighton following serious fire safety concerns in ten blocks of council housing. This follows an inspection by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on 18 March at Turton Close, where significant risks were uncovered.

Following the inspection, the Fire Service issued enforcement notices and sent detailed inspection letters to Brighton & Hove City Council. As an immediate measure, a 24/7 waking watch has been put in place across the affected buildings. Residents were instructed to keep communal areas clear and to evacuate using stairs, not lifts, if a fire occurs.

The incident highlights ongoing issues within the council’s housing department. A previous report from the Regulator of Social Housing flagged “serious failings” in August last year, citing overdue fire and electrical safety repairs. More than 1,700 fire-related repairs remain outstanding, some for over two years.

Among the affected buildings are Allamanda, Calendula, Cherry, Damson, Hollyhock, Jasmine, Meadowsweet, Sorrel, and Viscaria on the Bristol Estate. An internal report by the council’s Director of Homes and Investment identified high-risk panelling in stairwells, prompting a shift in the council’s fire response policy from ‘stay put’ to immediate evacuation.

Some progress has been made. Five of the blocks—Allamanda, Hazel, Jasmine, Meadowsweet, and Sorrel have since undergone remedial work, allowing a return to the ‘stay put’ policy after confirmation from the fire service.

Concerns remain around delays in conducting fire risk assessments for high-rise buildings. Opposition councillors plan to raise this issue at the council’s cabinet meeting on 15 May, where long-term solutions will be discussed.

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