On Wednesday 25 February 2026, the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service issued new safety instructions for people living in flats across Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The guidance aims to make sure everyone living in shared buildings knows exactly what to do if a fire breaks out.
Residents are being encouraged to learn their specific building plan, which is usually either to stay inside their flat or to leave the building immediately. The fire service is also calling on building owners to fix any confusing or old signs that might give people the wrong information during an emergency.
Under the law, landlords and building owners are known as the responsible person for the property. This means they must keep communal areas safe from fire and ensure that escape routes are always clear for residents to use.
This update follows a period of concern for the local community after several major fires in the town. In March 2025, a fatal fire resulted in a 13-year-old girl being charged with murder and arson after the death of a 43-year-old woman.
The fire service, which has its headquarters in Wellingborough, is pushing for these changes to help keep the public safe. By making fire plans clearer, they hope to improve how quickly people can get to safety during an emergency.
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