This policy brief is based on research that examined how the community in Kiandutu, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Thika, Kenya, responds to and prepares for the recurring threat of fire disasters. These fires often caused by faulty electrical wiring, highly flammable housing materials, and limited access to emergency services, have led to loss of life and destruction of homes. Despite the severity of the issue, there has been limited academic engagement on how fire risks are managed at the community level in such contexts. The aim of this policy brief is to provide recommendations to the government on placing the community at the centre of fire disaster management.