Student accommodation fires are disproportionately common in the UK. We examine why students are at higher risk and what purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) must get right.. The Risk Profile Students are disproportionately at risk from fire: Cooking fires — inexperience and distraction Alcohol — impaired judgment and response Socialising — large gatherings with candles, smoking Alarm fatigue — frequent false alarms lead to ignoring real fires PBSA vs HMO Purpose Built Student Accommodation Simultaneous evacuation strategy LD1 detection throughout Sprinklers recommended (mandatory in some areas) Professional management and maintenance Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Often converted houses with poor compartmentation Higher risk due to lower construction standards Licensing requirements vary by local authority Landlord compliance often inadequate Key Requirements 1. LD1 Grade A fire detection — interconnected system throughout 2. 30 minute fire doors to all bedrooms 3. Protected escape routes — 30 minute fire rated 4. Emergency lighting on all escape routes 5. Regular fire drills — at least twice per academic year For PBSA fire strategy or HMO assessment, contact us.