What to do if there's a fire in your home

See what steps to take if there's a fire in your home. Find out what to do if your planned escape route is blocked.

If a fire starts in your house, get out, stay out and call out the fire service.

If you call 999, give the operator: 

  • your full address
  • use What3Words app to describe your location with only three words
  • details of building on fire, for example, a two-storey house
  • details of anyone still trapped in the building and the room they are in

What you need to do when a fire starts

Everyone in your house needs to know what to do if a fire occurs.

If you hear a smoke alarm or discover a fire:

  • try not to panic
  • tell everyone in the house
  • use your pre-planned escape route to get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible. Use our escape plan tool.
  • smoke rises, so stay low or crawl on the floor in the cleaner air where it's easier to breathe
  • do not stop to collect any valuables or possessions
  • do not stop to look for pets
  • if possible, close the door to the room where the fire is located and close all doors behind you as you leave (to delay the spread of fire and smoke)
  • before opening a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand; do not open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side

Do not go back into the building:

  • find somewhere safe near the building and wait for the fire service to arrive
  • if someone is still inside the building, tell the fire service and give details
  • by going back into the building, you'll prevent the fire service from doing what they need to do and put your own life at risk too