The stay-put strategy is fundamental to UK high-rise residential fire safety. But when should it be maintained and when must it change?. Understanding Stay Put How It Works In a purpose built block of flats with adequate compartmentation, only the occupants of the flat on fire need to evacuate. All other residents remain safely in their flats. Prerequisites for Stay Put Full compartmentation (30 or 60 minute) between all flats FD30S flat entrance doors in good condition Fire stopping intact at all penetrations Adequate structural fire resistance Common parts designed as protected escape routes When Stay Put Must Change Compartmentation compromised (combustible cladding, fire stopping failures) Fire spreading beyond the flat of origin Smoke logging of common parts Fire service decision to implement evacuation Evacuation Alert Systems For buildings over 18m, the Fire Safety Regulations 2022 require evacuation alert systems to facilitate a change from stay put to simultaneous evacuation when necessary. For evacuation strategy consultancy, contact us.