Most residential buildings in Queensland (and in many other places) do not have a formal, comprehensive fire management plan (FMP).

While commercial and high-risk buildings (like offices, hospitals, or factories) are typically required by law to have detailed fire management plans, the same level of formal planning is not always mandated for smaller residential buildings, such as single-family homes or even some apartment complexes.

However, there are several important reasons why residential buildings, especially multi-story or higher-density buildings, should have some form of fire safety and emergency planning, even if they aren’t required to have a full FMP.

Here’s why:

Apartment complexes, multi-story buildings, and certain residential dwellings (especially those with shared spaces) must comply with building codes that include fire safety measures.

• The National Construction Code (NCC) and Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 set requirements for things like fire exits, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant materials.
• Some high-rise buildings (over 3 stories) are also required to have fire evacuation plans and fire safety audits.

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While these buildings may have some fire safety measures (e.g., smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire doors), the extent of the planning can be quite minimal compared to the detailed FMPs required in commercial buildings. For example:

• Smoke alarms are mandatory in all homes in Queensland (including rental properties) under the Fire and Emergency Services Act.
• Fire exits and other basic measures are regulated, but detailed escape plans or response procedures aren’t always explicitly required for every residential property.

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While fire drills and evacuation training are standard practice for businesses and institutions, many residential buildings lack a formal system for fire drills or training for residents.

This can create confusion and delays in an emergency, as residents may not know how to respond properly.

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Although a formal, comprehensive FMP might not be required in all residential buildings, basic fire safety measures and planning are still crucial, particularly for higher-density buildings and shared living spaces like apartment blocks.

Here’s a breakdown of what residential buildings should focus on:

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• Smoke Alarms: Must be installed in every bedroom, hallway, and living area.
• Fire Extinguishers: At least one fire extinguisher on each floor or level, especially in shared spaces.
• Sprinklers: Residential sprinklers aren’t mandatory in most residential buildings, but multi-story buildings or those with complex layouts might be required to have them (depending on local building regulations).
• Fire Doors and Exit Signage: Doors that can close properly in case of fire, along with clear exit routes and signage to guide residents during an emergency.

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• Even if a formal FMP isn’t required, clear evacuation routes should be indicated, with exits well-marked and unobstructed.
• There should be designated assembly points outside the building where residents can gather in case of fire.

• Residents should have easy access to emergency numbers (e.g., 000 for fire, ambulance, or police) and any building-specific emergency instructions, especially in shared living spaces or multi-story buildings.
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• While it may not be legally required, basic fire safety education (especially in multi-unit dwellings) can help residents understand things like:
  • What to do in case of fire (e.g., don’t use the elevator, don’t open hot doors).
  • How to use a fire extinguisher (if accessible).
  • Evacuation procedures.

• While many residential buildings don’t have a full fire management plan, this gap in fire safety should be addressed, particularly in high-density or multi-unit properties. Even if a full FMP isn’t legally required, a residential fire plan that includes:
  • Clear evacuation routes and procedures.
  • Fire extinguisher locations.
  • Smoke alarm maintenance schedules.
  • Emergency contact information.

  can significantly improve safety and give residents a better chance of surviving a fire with less risk of injury or death.

  More education, regulation, and encouragement for residents and property managers to take fire safety seriously—especially in urban and multi-residential contexts—would help close this gap and make residential buildings safer for everyone.