Residents in Manchester flats are once again being urged to take extra care when enjoying the warm weather on their balconies this summer.
It comes after instances of balcony fires occurred twice in a 24-hour period this week.
As the temperatures continue to soar as we power on into the summer months, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has issued a fresh safety warning after crews first attended a fire at a residential apartment block on Blackfriars Road in Salford last Friday evening (9 June), and were then called out to another similar incident just before 11am the day after (Saturday 10 June) at a three-storey townhouse on River Street in Manchester city centre.
The fire at the Salford apartment block happened when a wooden balcony on the 13th floor ignited after a cigarette was left in a dry plant pot, and subsequently caused the balcony’s safety glass to shatter and fall onto other balconies below.
Thankfully, firefighters were able to prevent the fires from spreading further and there were no injuries, but there was, however, “considerable damage” to balconies.
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📢 After two balcony fires in the space of 24 hours at the weekend, we want to remind people:
❌ Never barbecue on a balcony ❌ Never store flammable materials or gas on a balcony ❌ Never flick cigarettes off a balcony – always dispose of them safely
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) June 13, 2023
At the River Street townhouse, it was virtually the same scenario, as GMFRS confirmed the fire had also been caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette on a balcony, and although the blaze was extinguished before crews arrived, a damaged section of decking had to be removed to make sure the area was safe.
After these two fires within the 24-hour period, GMFRS is now warning residents in high-rise buildings to “take fire safety seriously”, never have a barbecue on a balcony, and also be more cautious when smoking.
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“The warm weather is welcome, but what we have seen in recent years is this often leads to residents deciding to barbecue on balconies,” explained Jenni Seex – Head of Protection and GMFRS.
“We want residents to be able to enjoy their balconies, but to also ensure they don’t put themselves or anyone else in danger.”
Fresh safety warning issued to Manchester residents after two balcony fires in 24 hours / Credit: GMFRS
GMFRS says it will also be working with housing providers, landlords, and managing companies to ensure residents are aware of fire safety advice and, where necessary, “support action being taken” against those who put their neighbours at risk this summer.
In extreme cases, GMFRS it will look at whether legal powers allow it to take action directly against residents to “place legal restrictions on how they use their balcony”.
Featured Image – GMFRS
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
15th June 2023 
