Fire Door Safety Week highlights worrying generational gaps in fire door awareness

New research has revealed significant generational differences in whether people notice fire doors, understand their purpose and know where to report issues about them, raising concerns about public safety in the buildings people use every day.

As part of Fire Door Safety Week 2026, the campaign is highlighting the importance of understanding the role fire doors play in protecting people and property.

The campaign theme this year, Check it, close it: Protection starts at the door, is a simple reminder that fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection measures and must be correctly maintained and used to perform their intended function.

Concerning gaps in understanding
Research carried out for Fire Door Safety Week has highlighted some surprising misconceptions about fire doors across different generations:

• 38% of Gen Z respondents aged 18–29 said they feel safe when a fire door is wedged open
• 21% of Millennials aged 30–45 believe a fire door is simply a door painted red

The findings demonstrate that awareness cannot be taken for granted, even amongst people who regularly use commercial, residential, educational and public buildings.

A fire door is specifically designed to help compartmentalise a building, slowing the spread of fire and smoke and providing occupants with additional time to evacuate. Its effectiveness depends not only on its construction and certification, but also on being correctly installed, maintained and kept closed when required.

Small actions can make a significant difference
A fire door that has been wedged open may look like a minor issue, particularly in a busy workplace or communal building. However, preventing a fire door from closing properly can compromise its ability to perform its intended function in the event of a fire.

The Fire Door Safety Week campaign is therefore encouraging everyone to take a moment to check it, close it and report it.

Simple checks can include looking for:

• Damage to the door or frame
• Excessive gaps around the door
• Missing or damaged intumescent or smoke seals
• Damaged or incorrectly fitted hinges
• Problems with the door closer
• Fire doors that have been propped or wedged open

Where a problem is identified, it should be reported to the person responsible for managing or maintaining the building.

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility
For facilities managers, building owners and responsible persons, regular inspection and maintenance of fire doors form an important part of an effective fire safety strategy. For building users, understanding why fire doors matter and using them correctly can help support the wider fire safety measures in place.

Evotech Fire & Security supports organisations with the maintenance of fire and security systems, helping businesses and building managers maintain effective protection and compliance across their properties.

Fire Door Safety Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions.

Check it. Close it. Report it.