What are fire doors?

Fire doors are specifically designed to reduce the spread of fire and toxic smoke within a building. A fire door consists of the door itself, its frame, and all the fittings such as locks, handles, closers, and hinges. All these components are designed to resist fire for a specified period.

The entrance door to a flat that opens onto a common area with a shared means of escape should be a fire door, providing fire resistance and fitted with smoke seals and a self-closing device. Fire doors may also be installed on communal escape routes.

Why are fire doors essential for your safety?

Fire doors are crucial because they protect residents from the spread of fire and smoke. They are strategically placed throughout your building to ensure the highest level of protection during a fire.

If a fire door is damaged or altered in any way, it may fail to stop the spread of fire and smoke, putting lives at risk. To be effective, fire doors must remain undamaged, closed, and in good repair.

Who is responsible for fire doors in my building?

For council tenants, Stevenage Borough Council is responsible for all fire doors in common areas and council flat entrance doors.

If you are a leaseholder, you are responsible for your flat's entrance door. All doors must be maintained to the required standard. All fire doors in blocks of flats over 11 m will now be subjected to annual servicing.

How to ensure your front door remains in good repair and spot issues with fire doors

Check the following regularly:

• Glazing, ironmongery, letter plates, hinges, and handles are not missing or broken.
• There are no excessive gaps around the door itself or between the door and door frame, and the seals and hinges are fitted correctly.
• The door closer shuts the door properly and is not broken.
• The door closes correctly around the whole frame.
• There is no visible damage to the door.

Never alter your fire door in any way. Do not:

• Replace
• Adjust
• Repair
• Modify
• Tamper

Making any changes to fire doors can affect their ability to keep you safe.

You must also ensure that:

• Fire doors are kept closed at all times to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Fire doors are not wedged open.

What to do if your fire door is damaged

If your fire door is damaged, contact the building safety team at building.safety@stevenage.gov.uk or call our customer service team on 01438 242242.