What Are Fire Strategy Reports?

Fire Strategy Reports provide a comprehensive document detailing all of a building’s fire safety features and construction. They are typically produced during the design stage of a new build project in conjunction with architectural plans as part of a submission for planning approval and to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations. However, they can also be produced for existing buildings; these are commonly referred to as retrospective fire strategies and are required when conducting a fire risk assessment.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire Fire Strategy Reports London and other major disasters across Europe, many building owners have re-considered their approach to health and safety. As a result, many are seeking information on different types of fire services that are available. Some are even exploring Fire Strategy Reports.

A fire strategy is a plan designed to minimise the damage caused by a fire. It analyses a building’s structure and layout, identifies potential risks and outlines ways in which these can be mitigated. It includes evacuation procedures, a detailed listing of all escape routes and identifies the fire services’ emergency response times. A fire strategy must be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains up to date and relevant.

The creation of a fire strategy is a requirement under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and is a legal obligation of any Responsible Person who owns or occupies a commercial property. It is a crucial step in the process of demonstrating that you are taking the correct measures to protect your staff, customers and visitors. It will help you avoid fines, statutory action or prosecution whilst protecting your business operations and assets.

The fire strategy must be created by a qualified fire engineer and should consider the following areas:

Identifying the performance criteria of technologies such as smoke control, fire alarm systems and detection devices. Assessing the impact of a building’s structure on fire spread, compartmentation and the availability of emergency routes. Providing details of the fire service’s emergency response times and identifying any areas that may limit the effectiveness of their arrival (such as building construction or barriers).

Incorporating a detailed risk assessment that considers the impact of a fire on a building’s occupants and how these can be mitigated. Outlining evacuation procedures and identifying any areas that require additional signage.

A fire strategy can be used in tandem with a business continuity plan; a system implemented to keep a company operating in the event of a disaster such as fire. This is a critical process that will protect the organisation’s processes and prevent disruption in the event of a disaster.