At Charles Cox Property, we believe that good property management starts with safety.
Our compliance team works year-round to review building safety and ensure every site we manage meets the highest possible standards.
A recent fire incident in London has once again shown just how important regular fire risk assessments are, and why clear communication with residents makes all the difference.
Safety and transparency at the heart of what we do
At Charles Cox Property, we put compliance and resident safety at the heart of everything and make sure all residents receive a clear, easy-to-understand summary of their building’s fire risk assessment annually.
Vicky Novis, Vice Managing Director of Charles Cox Property, said, ‘Our compliance team goes beyond standard block regulations, we’re here to make sure every building remains fully compliant and well-maintained for both residents and owners. This includes the importance of fire doors, guidance on reporting faults, and a full overview of the evacuation strategy.’
A recent example: London block evacuated after fire
A recent incident in Rainham, East London, really highlights why regular, up-to-date fire safety checks are so important.
In the early hours of 24 October 2025, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to a fire at a five-storey block of flats. Ten fire engines and over 100 firefighters from nearby stations, including Dagenham and Wennington, tackled flames that had spread across the third and fourth floors.
Around 50 people evacuated safely before emergency services arrived, and thankfully there were no injuries. A rest centre was quickly set up for residents at the Mardyke Community Centre. Footage shared on social media showed thick smoke and flames coming from two of the flats. LFB later confirmed that two balconies were destroyed, and parts of the upper floors and roof were also damaged.
Fire crews used a 32-metre turntable ladder to fight the fire from above and managed to bring it under control by around 7.30 a.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As Dom Maree of DP Maree Fire, Health and Safety Consultants notes:
“The first document the investigating Fire Officer will ask for is the latest fire risk assessment. Updated and fully reviewed fire risk assessments go a long way.”
Keeping residents safe and informed
Events like this serve as an important reminder that fire safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting people’s homes and lives. Simple steps like keeping flat doors in good condition, reporting faults early, and knowing your evacuation plan all make a big difference.
At Charles Cox Property, we work closely with trusted fire safety consultants to make sure every building we manage not only meets regulations but stays ahead of them. Our goal is to give residents complete confidence that their building is safe, compliant, and cared for — all year round.
Our commitment to safety
Fire safety isn’t a one-off checklist; it’s an ongoing commitment. Whether its ensuring residents understand their evacuation strategy or reviewing every fire door on-site, our team is here to keep your building secure, compliant, and transparent.
If you’d like to learn more about how we manage compliance and resident safety across our properties, get in touch with our team today.
