Prison fire safety
Failure of HMPPS to meet fire-safety compliance deadlines for a significant number of prison places.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 8 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
7 PFD reports
2 committee recs
2 CQC actions
1 PPO rec
130 IMB recs
6 IMB reports
1 Article 2 learning point
2 detention investigation recs
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(7)
Christopher Moss
Concerns: Concerns exist regarding the availability of appropriate equipment, specifically a hooligan bar, for dealing with cell door barricade incidents in prisons, potentially delaying emergency access to inmates.
Overdue
Wayne Boughen
Concerns: HMP Leeds lacks certified anti-ligature cells, failing national standards, which allowed an inmate to use a jumper for self-harm in an ordinary cell.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS acknowledges the lack of certified safer cells at HMP Leeds but highlights the improvements made to the ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) system. All staff at the …
Overdue
Charlie Todd
Concerns: A lack of supervisory oversight, inadequate staffing, and a manual, untracked system for hourly checks in the SACU led to incomplete observations and a failure to ensure prisoner safety.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMP Durham has provided additional officer and administrative resources to the Separation and Care Unit (SACU). A "Know Your Job" sheet will be provided to staff working on the unit, …
Responded
Christian Hinkley
Concerns: Prison fire detection systems are inadequate and unable to reliably detect cell fires early enough to save lives. Despite repeated warnings and notices issued since 2015, in-cell automatic fire detectors remain uninstalled.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS is investing £315m to improve fire safety, including in-cell fire detectors, portable fire detection devices, water mist firefighting equipment, and smoke ventilation fans. Cell fire response training was revised …
Responded
Saifur Rahman
Concerns: Delayed emergency "code blue" calls, absence of a central cell history record, and inadequate visual risk assessments by mental health staff in the prison pose significant ongoing safety risks.
Response (BSMHFT): BSMHFT states that it had already updated the sampling of cells under the Ligature Risk Assessment to enable greater coverage of cells from year to year, and to generate an …
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS reports that HMP Birmingham has undertaken initiatives to maintain staff awareness of medical emergency procedures, including safety talks and signage. The Governor has reviewed the local medical emergency response …
Responded
Sean Davies
Concerns: Inadequate risk formulation for IPP prisoners and failures by prison officers to conduct welfare checks according to guidance. Furthermore, some operational support staff lacked proper training or adhered to it.
Overdue
Richard Hunt
Concerns: Deliberate tampering with prison fire alarm systems, disabling their buzzers, led to undetected fires, a systemic issue worsened by the absence of central oversight for wing office fault reporting.
Response (The Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate): The Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) provides context on their role in enforcing fire safety regulations at HM Prison Stocken, detailing inspections and actions taken following a fatal fire. …
Overdue
Select committee recommendations(2)
#15 — HMPPS unable to meet 2027 fire-safety compliance deadline for 23,000 prison places
Recommendation: The NAO report highlighted several risks to existing prison capacity. This included that around a quarter (23,000) of occupied prison places are at risk of enforcement by the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate 38 Q 43 39 Qq 43,46 40 …
Gov response: 3.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 3.2 HMPPS acknowledges the importance of addressing the prison estate maintenance backlog and remains committed to undertaking the necessary work to ensure compliance with fire safety standards, …
Not Accepted
#22 — HMPPS maintains safety 'red lines' during overcrowding, acknowledging continued challenges
Recommendation: We asked HMPPS what it was doing to keep prisoners safe in the context of prisons being so overcrowded.75 It explained that it had introduced three “red lines” which it had stuck to rigidly. These included: keeping at least 1,500 …
Gov response: 5.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented: April 2025 5.7 HMPPS recognises the challenges that capacity pressures have on providing a safe environment and can make it harder to effectively manage prisons. …
Accepted
CQC inspection actions(2)
PPO death in custody recommendations(1)
IMB annual reports(6)
Springhill (2024)
HMP Springhill, a Category D open prison, typically held over 300 men with an operational capacity of 3351. The reporting year saw low levels of self-harm and violence, but persistent infrastructure failures, understaffing in education and OMU, and disjointed resettlement activities posed significant challenges. While 41 new single cells were a positive addition, the influx of men following early release schemes strained mental health services and limited access to external work.
PRISON
Key concerns
Styal (2021)
HMP/YOI Styal effectively managed the Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining a safe and humane environment despite significant regime restrictions. While primary healthcare was good, mental health needs were not fully supported, and purposeful activity was severely curtailed due to lockdowns. Key concerns include fire safety risks in unrefurbished houses, ongoing maintenance failings, and the need for more resources to tackle drug ingress and support prisoners with complex mental health issues.
PRISON
Key concerns
Grendon (2021)
HMP Grendon demonstrated a safe environment in 2021 with improvements across several safety indicators including self-harm, assaults, and ACCTs, despite ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and fire safety works. The Board commended improvements in diversity and inclusion, healthcare access, and vaccine rollout. However, significant concerns remain regarding the persistent issues with the night sanitation system, the loss of community ethos, and the impact of fire safety project delays on therapeutic capacity. The lack of in-cell telephony and data on cell bell response times also pose ongoing challenges.
PRISON
Key concerns
Styal (2025)
HMP/YOI Styal, a local women's prison, grapples with a complex population, leading to concerns about high self-harm rates and an increased number of deaths in custody. The Board highlights persistent issues with estate maintenance, fire safety, and a lack of consistent staff supervision on houses, which impacts prisoner safety and regime delivery. Despite improvements in healthcare and education attendance, significant delays in mental health transfers and pressure on resettlement accommodation remain critical challenges.
PRISON
Key concerns
Brinsford (2025)
HMP/YOI Brinsford, a YOI and Category C resettlement prison, held an average of 545 prisoners during the reporting year. While the environment is generally considered safe and healthcare provision good, the Board has significant concerns regarding the persistent delays in mental health transfers, the poor condition of the estate, and inadequate education and purposeful activity. Key worker compliance is low due to staffing issues, and violence between prisoners increased to 528 incidents.
PRISON
Key concerns
Buckley Hall (2024)
HMP Buckley Hall, a Category C training prison, has seen improvements in healthcare provision and staff-prisoner relationships. However, the report highlights significant concerns including persistent security weaknesses, frequent regime disruptions due to staff shortages, and the deteriorating state of the prison’s infrastructure. The Board is particularly worried about the high levels of self-harm, inadequate support for IPP prisoners, and the restrictive nature of social video calls.
PRISON
Key concerns
IMB individual recommendations(130)— showing 50 strongest matches
Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (2020)
Fire drills should be reinstated
Governor / Director
Norwich (2022)
What resources are being allocated to replace these fittings to reduce the risk to life of fire?
HMPPS
In Progress
Gartree (2023)
Can the Governor give full assurance that all residential wings and other functional areas of the prison are fully compliant with the requirements for fire drills to be held and tested and that all staff and prisoners are aware of what to do in the event of a fire alarm sounding?
Governor / Director
Thorn Cross (2021)
The prison is failing in its duty to provide a decent fire retardant seating, as referenced in our last report. An alternative seating needs to be found.
HMPPS
In Progress
Grendon (2021)
Further delays to the delivery of the fire safety project will reduce the prison’s capacity to deliver the very best outcomes for residents and its therapeutic work (see 5.1.1 and 7.1.5).
HMPPS
In Progress
Thorn Cross (2022)
To provide decent fire retardant seating consistent with the ethos of the open estate (5.1.2).
HMPPS
In Progress
Eastwood Park (2022)
Following the closure of residential unit 7’s first floor due to fire safety concerns, what is the future for this building and will alternative accommodation / facilities for women suitable for open conditions be provided?
Governor / Director
East Sutton Park (2022)
To review the fire contingency plan, as the Board considers that the new system needs to be carefully monitored as to its effectiveness at reaching all areas of the prison in a prompt manner.
Governor / Director
Gartree (2024)
In last year’s report, the Board raised some issues about fire safety: there was no assurance that everyone knew either what a ‘general’ fire alarm sounded like or what should happen if one was heard. There have been some drills carried out in the past year and this is encouraging. Will the Board be allowed access to the report of …
HMPPS
Noted
Elmley (2024)
Prisoners - and staff - are at substantial risk of serious harm due to the fire safety issues on house block 5. The Minister must take urgent action to address this very worrying problem and preclude its use as a residential house block until the risk is effectively mitigated.
Ministry of Justice
Implemented
Swansea (2025)
Given that feasibility studies have now been completed, what funding will be available in 2025-2026 for the long-overdue upgrade of the fire alarm system, and when will work start?
HMPPS
Thorn Cross (2020)
The fire alarm system does not meet current standards. The residential units have now had adaptations to an external door, which can be opened by the prisoners in an emergency, allowing their exit. The installation of a new system, including smoke alarms in each room, has been dragging on for some time; however, although planning meetings and site surveys are …
HMPPS
In Progress
Styal (2021)
There is a significant fire risk to prisoners who reside in the 16 houses which have not yet been refurbished at Styal. A recent survey has classed all of these buildings as red fire risk. These risks include the existence of false ceilings, and ceilings made of lath and plaster, which would require expensive and specialist repair to be brought …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Hindley (2021)
The ongoing problem with litter outside F wing and behind window grilles across the prison is not only an eyesore but also a health, safety, and security risk. The Board urges the Governor to ensure that further action is taken to resolve this matter.
Governor / Director
Ford (2021)
It is a pity that after many years of submissions by the senior management and criticism in our last 13 annual reports, your predecessors appeared to have no plan in place for the replacement of the wooden billets on B wing when they were finally condemned following a fire inspection in November 2020. This failure to plan ahead meant that …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Grendon (2022)
Improvements to the delivery schedule of the ongoing fire and safety project, as well as improved handovers of completed wings, are necessary in order to reduce disruption and return the prison to capacity (5.1).
HMPPS
Heathrow immigration removal centre (2023)
The contractor should make every effort to reduce smoking in the units, as this could lead to fires. People in detention should be challenged about smoking inside the wings.
Governor / Director
Stoke Heath (2025)
The Board recommends that the Prison Service provides the funding required to make accommodation and service areas, such as the kitchen and boilers, decent and safe, as refurbishment has been postponed year after year.
HMPPS
In Progress
Lincoln (2020)
The Board continues to question when we can expect the ceiling of the CSU to be replaced as previously advised (see paragraph 6.7), or is it no longer considered to be required?
HMPPS
In Progress
Manchester (2021)
The Board welcomed the response by the Minister to their report last year and was pleased to learn that the bid for funding to install secure windows at HMP Manchester had been successful. The Board notes however that this priority work at the time of writing this report has not commenced and would therefore ask the Minister when this will …
Other
In Progress
Springhill (2022)
The Board again emphasises the need for appropriate investment as opposed to short-term funding to patch the generally decaying infrastructure of the whole site.
Other
Lincoln (2022)
As in previous years, the Board remains concerned about the tardy manner in which numerous repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment are dealt with (see paragraph 5.1.5).
HMPPS
In Progress
Hollesley Bay (2022)
Requests that the outstanding repair and maintenance issues being faced daily by most prisons in the UK are addressed.
HMPPS
Hollesley Bay (2022)
Requests that the outstanding repair and maintenance issues being faced daily by most prisons in the UK are addressed.
HMPPS
Leyhill (2023)
Will the prison service install a general alarm system fitted to each room?
HMPPS
Lewes (2023)
Will the prison service ensure that maintenance and repairs are carried out in a timely manner and that sufficient funding is available locally to do this?
HMPPS
Lewes (2023)
Given the age of most of the prison wings, will the Minister ensure that there is sufficient funding available to make proper repairs to the infrastructure?
Ministry of Justice
Wormwood Scrubs (2024)
What further support will the Minister provide to rectify issues with the antiquated buildings and infrastructure to improve living conditions and safety in the prison?
Other
In Progress
Wandsworth (2024)
Men have endured another year of inadequate shower facilities coupled with numerous boiler failures resulting in periods of no hot water or heating. When will the old and inadequate heating and water systems be replaced with modern, efficient equipment?
HMPPS
Partially Accepted
Grendon (2024)
There are still issues with the building infrastructure and associated poor sanitation arrangements in the non-refurbished wings, along with continued rat infestation and the over-heating that is experienced by staff and prisoners during the year. What longer-term plans does the Governor have to address these issues?
Governor / Director
In Progress
Wandsworth (2025)
The basic conditions for prisoners at Wandsworth remain inadequate, both in terms of the infrastructure of the buildings (showers not operative, inconsistent heating, damaged cells, etc.) and the provision of kit (including clothing and bedding). What support will be provided to the prison to help rectify this?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Onley (2025)
The windows and window frames across the establishment are in a poor condition and an entry point for drone packages and rats. The Minister should arrange for these windows to be replaced, as they are no longer fit for purpose, are an easy target for drone drops and endanger the ongoing security and stability of the establishment.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Wormwood Scrubs (2020)
Will the minister ensure that sufficient funds continue to be available to the prison for the continuation and enhancement of measures taken to increase the safety of prisoners?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Swaleside (2020)
The state of Swaleside showers has been mentioned in several previous reports. There has been some progress in this area but still some wings have shower areas that are way below standard and have not been improved at all. The overall level of cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired with litter around the outside of many wings and the …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Risley (2020)
The showering facilities have been proving problematic over the last 12–18 months, with issues around the sufficient provision of hot water and bad water pressure, as well as showing a definite need for maintenance, decoration and refurbishment. What is the prison’s intention with regard to rectifying these issues?
Governor / Director
Gartree (2020)
Does the Prison Service consider that Gartree has a sufficient ongoing maintenance budget and capital funding in order both that prisoners can live, and staff can work within a safe, secure and decent environment?
HMPPS
In Progress
Wandsworth (2021)
The fabric of the prisoner accommodation continued to be unacceptable with broken windows, mould, leaking plumbing, leaking rooves, frequent heating failures, pigeon faeces, rodents and other issues. This is neither decent nor acceptable. What plans does the Prison Service have to address the wholly unacceptable state of the residential facilities?
HMPPS
In Progress
Hollesley Bay (2021)
That further capital investment is made into the open prison estate to allow the buildings and facilities to be improved and the backlog of maintenance requirements to be tackled in a programmed way – failing heating systems, leaking roofs, inadequate catering facilities, etc, as well as funding additional security measures, enhanced CCTV and improved security lighting.
HMPPS
Featherstone (2021)
Featherstone was built in the 1970s and despite some improvements this shows in much of the accommodation, with showers, windows and heating which are not up to contemporary standards. We understand that the Ministry is aware of this, but consideration of improving the physical environment should urgently be made.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Onley (2022)
Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) should advise when essential work on the poor state of windows in the older parts of the prison will be carried out, as it has a detrimental effect on decency standards and needs addressing as a priority.
HMPPS
In Progress
Norwich (2022)
Are there plans for refurbishment of the outdated buildings e.g. the healthcare unit, L wing, E wing and the segregation unit, alongside the planned refurbishment of a previously closed wing and the installation of a new M wing?
HMPPS
Partially Accepted
Long Lartin (2022)
Will the Governor give more priority to repairs and improvements to the security systems?
Governor / Director
Kirkham (2022)
Improvements need to be made around adding ventilation in the bathrooms to reduce condensation. The showers that have not yet been refurbished need to also take priority. There are still recurring problems with the heating and hot water supplies to some billets.
Governor / Director
Holme House (2022)
We would like the Governor to continue to get repairs and maintenance improved.
Governor / Director
In Progress
Holme House (2022)
Repairs and maintenance are slow and therefore the backlog increases. Cell and house block repairs, floors, kitchen equipment and other areas of disrepair are not carried out effectively and this has caused a number of problems.
HMPPS
In Progress
Highpoint (2022)
The netting that blew down in a storm over two years ago at HMP Highpoint, and which has still not been mended or replaced, remains a security and safety issue. This prison is vulnerable to throwovers, and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
HMPPS
Buckley Hall (2022)
Provide the funding to install CCTV in the healthcare building.
HMPPS
Winchester (2023)
When will the finance be approved for the modernised CCTV system and when will the necessary cameras, connectivity and software be installed?
HMPPS
In Progress
Portland (2023)
Funding for relief of heat issues for Beaufort wing
HMPPS
Onley (2023)
Can a date be given for when the capital bid for replacement windows, approved in 2019, will be carried out?
HMPPS
Article 2 learning points(1)
Detention investigations(2)
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Brook House Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R45
G4S and the Home Office must ensure that robust, full-length electronic turnstiles are installed at the entrance to the residential wings as soon as possible. (To be completed within 3 months)
Immigration Detention
Assessment of government progress in implementing the report on the … — Rec 22
As set out in the NHSE, Home Offce and PH(E) National Partnership Agreement, all centres should become smoke-free as soon as possible, subject to proper planning and support for detainees and staff.
Immigration Detention