Daugiabučių gyventojams draudžiama šalinti kopėčias ir liukus

Residents of multi-apartment buildings who remove emergency ladders or hatches from balconies risk fines, the Fire Protection and Rescue Department (PAGD) has warned, as reported by LRT.

Multi-apartment building administrators frequently receive requests from residents to remove balconies’ emergency ladders or hatches, particularly during renovations or glazing works, according to Paulius Ugianskas, a representative of the property management company “Mano būstas”.

Darius Pūras, regional head of the building maintenance and engineering solutions group “Civinity”, noted that residents sometimes complain about the aesthetic appearance of these structures or seek to free up balcony space and prevent neighbours from accessing areas where personal items are stored.

However, PAGD emphasizes that these elements are critical fire safety features designed for emergency evacuations in high-rise buildings. Their removal is strictly prohibited, as it violates fire safety regulations and endangers both the resident and their neighbours.

“We stress that emergency ladders and hatches are an integral part of the building’s design, ensuring resident safety in extreme situations. Their removal is strictly forbidden, as it constitutes a gross violation of fire safety requirements and poses a direct threat to safety,” Pūras told BNS.

Arvydas Vingilys, a PAGD representative, clarified that these ladders and hatches serve as emergency exits and must remain accessible at all times. Removing them may result in administrative penalties: fines ranging from €10 to €70 for individuals and from €30 to €600 for officials or legal entities responsible.

Vingilys added that building administrators or resident communities are responsible for maintaining and inspecting these emergency exits. PAGD officials may assess their condition during inspections.

“Civinity” conducts periodic checks to ensure ladders and hatches are technically sound, unobstructed, and unlocked. Meanwhile, “Mano būstas” acknowledges that access to private balconies is limited, but they continuously remind residents of their duty to keep these elements unobstructed and functional.