Question:
Some flats in UK are on the first floor or higher accessible only through narrow stairs. The flats and stairs in UK being almost entirely wooden people living in such flats need a secure get away in case of fire. Does the legal authority setting rules on fire safety require that such flats have fire- fighting equipments and/or window throwable ladders for inhabitants to escape in case the stairs caught fire? I believe in US such flats are required these equipments.

Answer: Q: Some flats in UK are on the first floor or higher accessible only through narrow stairs. The flats and stairs in UK being almost entirely wooden people living in such flats need a secure get away in case of fire.

A: Whatever escape arrangements you mandate, I think wooden people living in such flats would be unable to get out unaided. (Sorry) Most flats actually have stone stairs, so the problem does not arise. I think wooden stairs are likely to be the exception, except perhaps in converted buildings. Q: Does the legal authority setting rules on fire safety require that such flats have fire- fighting equipments and/or window throwable ladders for inhabitants to escape in case the stairs caught fire? I believe in US such flats are required these equipments.

A: Such properties may be required to have fixed fire escape ladders. This can be an insuperable problem in listed properties which are not allowed to install them. But there is a difference between rented and owner-occupied property. The strictest fire safety rules apply to rented property in multiple occupation.