![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has launched a new safety campaign, ‘Be ready. Stay safe.’, designed to develop their high-rise prevention, protection and response strategies.
The campaign is aimed at residents living in high-rise buildings, prompting them to consider their preparedness if a fire were to occur in their building. Its purpose is to help residents better understand evacuation procedures, know how to respond during an emergency, and take an active role in keeping themselves and their communities safe.
High-rise buildings present distinct fire risks due to their height, complex layouts, and high occupancy levels. As Cardiff city continues to grow, supported by significant future development, the need for proactive fire safety awareness has never been more important. Fires in tall buildings can escalate rapidly, and unfamiliar layouts in newer developments can create additional challenges for responding crews, control room operators, and residents alike.
To strengthen safety across high-rise communities, SWFRS has invested in a dedicated team focused on implementing the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, with the aim of completing all actions by 2027. The Service also continues to work closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Fires in Tall Buildings Working Group, ensuring best practice and national learning are embedded locally.
On average, SWFRS responds to at least one high-rise fire every month, and each year at least one person is injured due to these incidents. While serious fires remain uncommon, their consequences can be severe, placing lives, homes, and communities at risk. SWFRS recognises the importance of strengthening its efforts to educate the public on fire prevention guidance and safety measures to help protect the communities of South Wales.
The campaign encourages residents to understand their building’s evacuation strategy, know their escape routes and communicate any specific needs to building managers. A key part of the campaign is raising awareness of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), which support residents who may need additional assistance during an emergency. PEEPs will become law in England in April 2026, with Wales expected to implement similar safety measures in 2027.
SWFRS Area Manager Mike Wyatt summarised the importance of the campaign: “Keeping people safe is at the heart of everything we do. High-rise buildings bring unique challenges, but by working together – with residents, building managers, and our crews - we can reduce risks and ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.”
Watch out the ‘Be ready. Stay safe.’ video below for more information:
To read similar articles, check out our Frontline channel
