Immediate Danger
If you believe there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 999 and ask for the fire service without delay.
Non-Emergency Fire Safety Concerns
If the issue isn't an emergency but still needs attention:
- Speak to the Responsible Person:
The "Responsible Person" is someone who has control of the premises and is legally responsible for fire safety. This could be:- The owner of the building
- A landlord or managing agent
- An employer or manager of a business
- A building manager or facilities manager
- An occupier or tenant with control over part of the premises
If possible, inform this person about the issue. They may not be aware of the problem and can often resolve it quickly.
Contact East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS):
If the concern isn't addressed or you prefer to report it directly,
- Call 01737 242444 during weekends and evenings to make a complaint or if you have concerns about the fire safety of a premises.
- During office hours Monday to Friday, email firesafety.complaints@esfrs.org.
- Address: East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Church Lane, Lewes, BN7 2DZ
More information about making other type of complaint can be found here.
All reports are treated confidentially, and you do not need to provide your name. ESFRS will assess the information and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.
Examples of Fire Safety Risks We Investigate
- Blocked or locked fire exits
- Improper storage of flammable materials
- Faulty or absent fire alarms
- Obstructed escape routes
- Lack of appropriate fire signage
- Damaged or inaccessible fire-fighting equipment
- People sleeping in store rooms or basements of shops
- Evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking
Examples of Issues We Do Not Investigate
Some issues are outside of ESFRS's scope and are best addressed by other organisations or individuals:
- Building Maintenance Issues: General property repairs not related to fire safety.
- Housing Condition Complaints: Such as damp, mould, or structural problems—these should be reported to the local council or a landlord.
- Noise or Anti-Social Behaviour: Contact the local council or police for these matters.
- Nuisance Bonfires: Usually handled by the local council’s environmental health team.
- General Health and Safety Concerns: Report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Home Fire Safety Advice
For personal fire safety, ESFRS offers free Home Safety Visits. These visits provide advice on fire prevention and can include fitting smoke alarms where needed.
By working together, we can help make our Community a safer place for everyone