Fire safety is about more than equipment and alarms—it’s also about quick access to the right information when it matters most. That’s where a fire document box comes in.
These secure containers are now a legal requirement in certain residential buildings and increasingly considered best practice across many types of premises.
So, what exactly is a fire document box, what should go in it, and who needs to install one?
What Is a Fire Document Box?
A fire document box—sometimes called a Premises Information Box (PIB)—is a secure, tamper-resistant container mounted near the entrance of a building.
It stores essential fire safety information that firefighters and other emergency services can access quickly in the event of a fire.
The box should be clearly labelled and accessible to authorised personnel only.
Most are lockable with a standard fire service key, so fire crews can open them easily without needing to break in.
What Information Should Be Stored Inside?
The contents of a fire document box will vary depending on the type of building, but generally include:
- A clear and up-to-date fire alarm zone plan
- Floor plans showing fire-fighting shafts, risers, stairwells, and flat numbers
- Contact details for the Responsible Person or property manager
- Details of the evacuation strategy (e.g. stay put, phased, or simultaneous evacuation)
- Any known vulnerabilities or hazards (e.g. oxygen cylinders, PV panels)
- Maintenance records or logbooks for fire safety systems
- Instructions for isolating fire alarms or lifts, if applicable
In high-rise or complex buildings, having this information immediately available can save precious time, help crews plan their response, and improve safety for everyone in the building.
Is It a Legal Requirement?
Yes—for certain buildings, a fire document box is now a legal requirement.
Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, from January 2023, all high-rise residential buildings in England (18 metres or more in height or 7+ storeys) must have a secure information box installed.
The box must:
- Be located in a readily accessible area near the main entrance
- Contain accurate, up-to-date building plans and contact details
- Be clearly labelled and maintained regularly
Even if your building is under 18 metres, having a fire document box is strongly recommended in many settings, particularly for:
- Blocks of flats
- HMOs
- Care homes and supported living schemes
- Large commercial premises
- Educational and healthcare facilities
It’s not just about compliance—it’s about helping the fire service respond quickly and confidently.
Where Should It Be Installed?
The fire document box should be:
- Near the main entrance or fire control panel
- Clearly visible and signposted
- Secure and weatherproof if installed externally
- Accessible to firefighters but protected from tampering
It’s good practice to label the box clearly (e.g. “Fire Information – For Fire Service Use”) and ensure staff or residents understand not to interfere with it.
What Are the Benefits?
Having a fire document box offers several advantages:
- Speeds up emergency response by giving firefighters key information immediately
- Improves safety for occupants, staff, and emergency responders
- Supports compliance with fire safety legislation
- Demonstrates due diligence as a responsible person
- Helps with insurance and fire authority inspections
In the event of a fire, fire crews may only have seconds to decide how to act. A well-maintained fire document box could be the difference between a smooth evacuation and a disaster.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help landlords, managing agents, and building owners across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire stay compliant with evolving fire safety laws.
We can:
- Install compliant fire document boxes in suitable locations
- Help you prepare the right documentation to go inside
- Ensure your zone plans, evacuation strategies, and contact details are up to date
- Include document box checks as part of our fire risk assessment and servicing visits
If you’re unsure whether you need a fire document box, or if you already have one but aren’t confident it meets the latest standards, give us a call. We’ll help you get it right—without the guesswork.
One Response
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://accounts.binance.info/en-ZA/register-person?ref=B4EPR6J0