The Hidden Risk Behind Evacuation Plans: What over 1,400 London Buildings Are Telling Us
Published: 20/06/2025
New figures released by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reveal that more than 1,400 residential buildings in London currently have simultaneous evacuation strategies in place, an indication that they do not meet the necessary standards to support a "stay put" fire safety policy.
According to the LFB:
- 1,448 buildings are on the simultaneous evacuation list
- Of these, 883 buildings are more than 7.9 metres (26 feet) in height
- 565 buildings are under that height
The use of simultaneous evacuation guidance signifies that these buildings present a higher level of fire risk and cannot be considered safe for residents to remain in place during a fire incident, as would be expected in a well-constructed block.
What Triggers a Simultaneous Evacuation?
The “stay put” strategy remains the default fire policy for most high-rise residential buildings in the UK. It relies on effective compartmentation, where fire-resistant construction between flats and common areas is intended to prevent fire and smoke from spreading for at least 60 minutes.
Key Fire Safety Concerns: Cladding, Fire Doors, and Compartmentation
When simultaneous evacuation guidance is introduced, it is because key safety features may be compromised, most commonly due to issues such as:
- Combustible or untested cladding systems
- Inadequate or defective fire doors
- Concerns around windows and external fire spread
- Failures in internal compartmentation
Since Grenfell, the LFB has continued to inspect the fire safety performance of residential buildings across the capital. These inspections focus on both external wall systems and internal fire protection measures.
While cladding has received considerable attention, we find that compartmentation failures are often more widespread and less visible. In our experience conducting compartmentation surveys, breaches are common and can include unsealed service penetrations, missing fire-stopping, or poorly constructed risers. These issues frequently lead to simultaneous evacuation strategies being imposed and necessitate urgent remedial works.
We believe that compartmentation is one of the most under-recognised but critical aspects of building safety, and we continue to support clients in identifying and addressing these risks through targeted inspections and reporting.
Ongoing Investigations and Government Action
In response to the wider fire safety crisis, the Cabinet Office confirmed in February 2025 that it had launched investigations into seven companies involved in past high-rise residential projects. These companies include manufacturers, inspectors, contractors, and designers. The investigations should determine whether any have engaged in professional misconduct under the Procurement Act 2023, which could lead to them being debarred from receiving public sector contracts.
The firms named are:
- Arconic (cladding)
- Kingspan (insulation)
- Saint-Gobain (former owners of Celotex)
- Exova (fire safety consultants)
- Rydon (main contractor)
- Studio E (architects)
- Harley Facades (cladding subcontractor)
According to the Cabinet Office, investigations began in March 2025, but no timeline has been confirmed for the completion of these reviews.
Separately, police and prosecutors have stated that their investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, with decisions on any potential criminal charges to follow by the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has acknowledged that the pace of remediation across the country has been slow. Their new Remediation Acceleration Plan aims to speed up works on unsafe buildings, with a target to complete all remediation by 2029 but this also has unrealistic timelines due to the scale of the what is involved.
How Harris Associates Can Help
At Harris, we assist dutyholders, freeholders, and managing agents to understand and address the risks that lead to temporary evacuation strategies being imposed.
We can provide:
Compartmentation Surveys
Targeted inspections to assess whether internal walls, risers, service voids, and escape routes provide adequate fire separation.
FRAEW and PAS 9980 Reviews
Structured external wall systems assessments in line with PAS 9980 to identify and manage fire risks.
EWS1 Forms
Issued by qualified professionals to assist with mortgage requirements and building compliance.
Project Management of Remediation Works
Full support in coordinating cladding replacement, fire door upgrades, and effective compartmentation strategies, from scope through to completion.
If your building is currently subject to a simultaneous evacuation strategy, or if you’re unsure of its compliance status, contact our team to arrange a survey or consultation. We’re here to help you navigate building safety obligations with confidence and clarity.
Harris Associates can offer a bespoke solution to enable you to comply with the latest legislation. We are experts in statutory compliance and fire safety-related matters with experienced and qualified technicians, surveyors, engineers, and project managers. We have national coverage and can help with all aspects of compliance, including Building Safety Case Reports or façade remediation from FRAEWs through to the coordination and delivery of complex façade remediation contracts.
For more information on our services, assistance, or advice on these latest developments or any related fire safety or regulatory matter please GET IN TOUCH.