Fire Extinguishers in London: What Every Home and Business Should Know

Every property owner in London has a duty to protect lives and property from fire. Installing Fire Extinguishers is one of the simplest yet most effective steps. At Astoria | Fire Alarm Installation & Maintenance London, we support residents, landlords, and business owners across the capital with expert supply, installation, and servicing of extinguishers that meet British Standards.

Why Fire Extinguishers Are Essential

A common question is: Why do I need fire extinguishers if I already have alarms? Alarms are designed to warn you and give time to escape, but extinguishers allow you to control small fires before they spread. Imagine a restaurant kitchen in Soho where oil catches alight, or a shop in Stratford where faulty wiring sparks flames. Having the correct extinguisher within reach could prevent serious damage or injury.

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

Many residents ask: Which extinguisher is right for my property? Different fires require different extinguishers:

1. Water extinguishers: Effective on paper, wood, or fabric fires. Common in offices near Canary Wharf.

2. Foam extinguishers: Useful for liquid fires such as petrol or paint, often required in workshops or garages.

3. CO2 extinguishers: Suitable for electrical fires, vital in homes and businesses across Hackney and Shoreditch.

4. Powder extinguishers: Versatile but messy, typically installed in industrial sites or warehouses.

5. Wet chemical extinguishers: Designed for cooking oil fires, essential in restaurants across Camden Market and Brick Lane.

At Astoria, we assess your property and ensure you have the right type in the right place.

Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguishers in London

Business owners often ask: Is it a legal requirement to have fire extinguishers? Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires all non-domestic properties in London to have appropriate fire fighting equipment. Landlords must also provide extinguishers in communal areas of blocks of flats. Failing to meet these obligations can result in heavy fines or prosecution. More importantly, it puts lives at risk.

Maintenance and Calls Outs in London

Another key question is: How often do extinguishers need to be checked? Extinguishers must be serviced once a year by a qualified engineer. Over time, pressure levels drop, and hoses or seals may fail. This is why Maintenance and Calls Outs in London are so important. At Astoria, our team provides scheduled servicing for businesses across Westminster, Docklands, and East London. We also respond quickly to emergency call outs when an extinguisher is damaged or discharged.

Common Mistakes with Fire Extinguishers

Residents often ask: What mistakes should I avoid? One mistake is placing extinguishers in areas where they are hard to reach. Another is failing to train staff or tenants on how to use them. We often see outdated or incorrect extinguishers installed in busy areas like Oxford Street shops or offices near London Bridge. Using the wrong extinguisher can actually make a fire worse. Professional advice ensures you are properly protected.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Safely

A frequent concern is: How do I use a fire extinguisher without making things worse? Remember the PASS method:

• Pull the pin.

• Aim at the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the handle slowly.

• Sweep side to side until the fire is out.

This simple method can help you act quickly and safely during an emergency. At Astoria, we also provide training for businesses and landlords so staff and tenants know exactly what to do.

Why Choose Astoria in London

Many Londoners ask: What makes Astoria different from other providers? Our local presence and expertise make us the right choice. From our office at Lock Studios, 7 Corsican Sq, Bow, London E3 3YD, we serve homes and businesses across London. We understand the unique layouts of properties in areas like Islington, Kensington, and Bethnal Green. Our engineers are fully accredited and provide both compliance checks and practical advice.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers save lives and reduce damage when used correctly. Every second counts in a fire, and having the right extinguisher nearby makes all the difference. Whether you own a small shop near Camden Market, manage an office in Canary Wharf, or rent out a block of flats in Stratford, the law and safety both require you to act now. Contact Astoria | Fire Alarm Installation & Maintenance London today to install, service, or replace extinguishers in your property. And remember, extinguishers are part of a bigger safety plan that should always include alarms, emergency lighting, and regular Fire Risk Assessments.

FAQs

Q1. Who installs fire extinguishers near Canary Wharf in London?
Astoria provides professional installation and servicing of extinguishers across Canary Wharf and East London.

Q2. How often do fire extinguishers need servicing in London?
By law, extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified engineer to ensure safety and compliance.

Q3. Can Astoria provide 24 hour fire extinguisher maintenance in London?
Yes, we provide fast Maintenance and Calls Outs in London, available day and night for urgent fire safety needs.

Q4. Do landlords in London need to provide fire extinguishers?
Yes, landlords must provide extinguishers in communal areas of residential buildings to comply with UK fire safety law.

Q5. Which type of fire extinguisher is best for kitchen fires in London homes and restaurants?
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for cooking oil fires and are essential in kitchens across homes and restaurants in London.

👉 Fires spread in seconds. Do not wait until it is too late. Call Astoria | Fire Alarm Installation & Maintenance London today and protect your home, tenants, or business with expert fire extinguisher services.