Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Strategy Documents

A fire strategy document is a detailed report outlining a building’s fire safety measures, including:

• Fire risk assessment findings
• Evacuation procedures and escape routes
• Fire detection systems (e.g., alarms, sprinklers)
• Fire compartmentation and passive fire protection measures
• Compliance with Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations

It is a legal requirement for certain buildings and helps ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

A fire strategy plan is required for:

• New buildings undergoing construction or major renovations
• High-risk buildings such as hospitals, schools, and care homes
• Buildings with complex layouts requiring specific fire safety control measures
• Any structure requiring compliance with building regulations

A fire strategy document typically includes:

• A full fire risk assessment
• Fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, and smoke control)
• Evacuation strategy and fire safety measures
• Passive fire protection measures, such as fire doors and compartmentation
• Coordination with local fire authorities and building control

Yes. Under Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations, a fire strategy report must be provided for certain buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety standards and support emergency planning.

A comprehensive fire strategy document identifies specific fire risks within a building and outlines solutions such as:

• Preventing the spread of fire using fire-resistant materials
• Implementing an effective fire strategy plan
• Ensuring safe fire evacuation routes
• Coordinating with competent fire risk assessors and chartered fire engineers

The cost of a fire strategy varies depending on factors such as:

• Size and complexity of the building
• Level of risk assessment required
• Retrospective fire strategy development for existing buildings

For an accurate quote, contact our team of fire safety experts.

A fire risk assessment evaluates the current fire safety management of a building, while a fire strategy plan provides a detailed framework for fire safety, ensuring compliance with building regulations and fire safety responsibilities.

No. A fire strategy document should be prepared by a competent fire risk assessor or a chartered fire engineer who understands fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Failing to have a required fire strategy document can result in:

• Non-compliance with fire safety regulations
• Legal penalties or fines
• Increased fire risk to occupants
• Delays in obtaining building approvals

A fire strategy plan should be reviewed whenever:

• The building undergoes significant changes (extensions, refurbishments)
• There are updates to fire safety legislation
• A fire risk assessment identifies new hazards

A retrospective fire strategy is a document created for an existing building that does not have a previously established fire strategy plan. It helps ensure compliance and safety improvements.

Yes. A fire strategy report is often required when submitting planning applications for new developments or major refurbishments.

Passive fire protection measures include:

• Fire compartmentation (fire-resisting walls, floors, and doors)
• Fire-stopping solutions to prevent the spread of fire
• Rising fire mains for firefighting operations
• Fire doors to contain fire and smoke

Yes. A fire strategy plan considers the availability of fire hydrants and rising fire mains to assist emergency responders.

Local fire authorities and building control officers enforce compliance with building regulations and fire safety responsibilities.

A competent fire risk assessor:

• Conducts fire risk assessments
• Identifies fire risks within the building
• Develops an effective fire strategy plan
• Ensures compliance with fire safety control measures

A fire strategy plan ensures that, in the event of a fire:

• Occupants follow clear evacuation procedures
• Fire alarms and fire detection systems activate correctly
• Fire safety information must be available to emergency responders

Industries that require fire strategy documents include:

• Residential and commercial buildings
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Hospitality and retail

A fire safety plan includes:

• Evacuation strategy and fire safety measures
• Strategy and fire safety training for occupants
• Legal requirement compliance information
• Fire protection systems maintenance schedules

Our fire safety experts provide professional fire strategy documents and compliance support. Contact us for assistance today.

• Phone: 020 3797 3053
• Email: hello@fire-safety-services.co.uk