What Is a Fire Strategy? A Guide to Fire Strategy Reports and Plans

A fire strategy sets out how fire safety will be managed within a building. It considers the specific characteristics, construction and use of the building before establishing the measures required to protect occupants, support safe escape and limit the spread of fire and smoke.

A comprehensive fire strategy can cover everything from escape routes and fire doors to alarm systems, structural fire protection and access for the fire and rescue service.

Understanding a building’s fire strategy is also important when assessing whether existing fire protection measures are suitable, correctly installed and maintained to the required standards.

What Is a Fire Strategy?

A fire strategy is a detailed approach to fire safety that considers how a building is designed, constructed and used.

Rather than looking at individual measures in isolation, fire strategy reports consider how different systems and provisions work together to protect people and property.

The core elements typically include active fire protection, passive fire protection and the procedures that determine how people respond in the event of a fire. This can include detection and warning systems, structural protection, escape arrangements, emergency procedures and staff training.

The strategy should reflect factors such as the building layout, its occupants, means of escape and the materials used in its construction. As a result, the exact scope of a fire strategy can vary significantly between different buildings and projects.

What Is a Fire Strategy Report?

A fire strategy report records the approach being taken to fire safety within a particular building.

The report can provide important information about the fire safety provisions required and the basis on which decisions have been made. It can also provide evidence that the building’s design has considered relevant fire safety requirements.

Depending on the building and project, fire strategy reports may address areas such as:

• Means of escape
• Fire detection and warning systems
• Structural fire protection
• Fire doors and compartmentation
• Smoke control
• Firefighting facilities
• Fire service access
• Evacuation procedures
• Relevant building regulations and standards

The report should be specific to the building rather than relying on a generic approach. Its contents therefore need to reflect the building’s design, use, occupants and fire safety requirements.

What Is Included in a Fire Strategy?

The exact contents will depend on the scope and complexity of the building, but there are several areas commonly considered when developing fire strategy plans and reports.

Means of Escape and Evacuation

A key consideration is how occupants can safely escape if a fire occurs.

This can involve assessing travel distances, the number and location of exits, protected routes, stairways and the capacity of escape routes. The strategy should consider how the building’s layout and expected occupancy affect the ability of people to reach a place of safety.

Emergency arrangements can also include evacuation procedures, staff training and appropriate fire drills so that people understand what to do when an alarm is raised.

Fire Detection and Warning

Appropriate fire detection and alarm systems help provide occupants with sufficient warning to begin an evacuation.

The type of equipment and level of coverage required will depend on factors including the building’s use, layout and occupancy.

Different arrangements may also be required during construction. Fire risks can change as work progresses, escape routes may alter and permanent detection systems may not yet be operational. Appropriate temporary arrangements therefore need to form part of fire safety planning during construction.

Compartmentation and Structural Fire Protection

Fire compartmentation divides a building into fire-resistant sections designed to restrict the movement of fire and smoke.

Walls, floors, ceilings, cavity barriers, penetration sealing systems and other forms of structural fire protection can all contribute to maintaining these compartments.

Effective compartmentation can preserve escape routes and provide additional time for occupants to evacuate while supporting firefighting operations.

Fire Doors

Fire doors are another important part of the passive protection within many buildings.

When correctly specified, installed and maintained, they help prevent fire and smoke from moving through openings in compartment walls. Their required performance should correspond with the wider fire protection design of the building.

Smoke Control and Firefighting Facilities

A fire strategy may also consider smoke control systems, firefighting equipment and facilities provided for the fire and rescue service.

Access routes, firefighting shafts and other provisions may need to be considered depending on the height, size and use of the building.

Fire Strategy Plans vs Fire Strategy Reports

Although the terms are sometimes used together, fire strategy plans and fire strategy reports perform different functions.

The report provides the written explanation of the approach to fire safety. It can explain the reasoning behind the measures selected and detail the standards, requirements and assumptions on which the strategy is based.

Fire strategy plans provide a visual representation of relevant fire safety information.

For example, plans may signpost:

• Escape routes and exits
• Compartment lines
• Fire doors
• Firefighting facilities
• Fire alarm and detection equipment
• Fire service access
• Areas containing particular fire protection measures

Together, the written report and supporting plans can provide a clearer understanding of how fire safety is intended to work throughout the building.

How Does Passive Fire Protection Support a Fire Strategy?

A fire strategy may specify the level of protection a building requires, but those requirements still need to be correctly implemented on site.

Passive fire protection is incorporated into the building to help restrict the spread of fire and smoke. Measures such as compartment walls, fire doors and penetration sealing systems need to work together if the intended level of protection is to be maintained.

Problems can arise when construction work, alterations or new services compromise these measures. For example, creating an unprotected opening through a compartment wall can affect the integrity of the entire compartment.

Specialist surveys can therefore be used to establish whether installed measures reflect the required design and remain effective.

Adaston’s fire consultancy services provide independent oversight of passive fire protection including fire doors, fire compartmentation, fire dampers, penetration sealing systems and remediation works.

Where more detailed investigation is required, a fire compartmentation survey can identify defects, service penetrations and other areas where the integrity of the building’s compartmentation may have been compromised.

Fire Strategies and Fire Safety Regulations

A fire strategy needs to consider the legislation, regulations and guidance relevant to the building.

Approved Document B provides statutory guidance supporting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England. It covers areas including means of warning and escape, internal and external fire spread and access and facilities for the fire service.

For occupied non-domestic premises in England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also establishes legal duties relating to fire safety. These include requirements around fire risk assessment and appropriate fire precautions.

The legislation and guidance that apply will depend on the building, its location, use and the work being undertaken. A fire strategy should therefore consider the specific project rather than treating fire safety requirements as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Is a Fire Strategy the Same as a Fire Risk Assessment?

No. Although they are closely related to building fire safety, a fire strategy and a fire risk assessment have different purposes.

A fire strategy primarily explains the approach to fire safety within the design and construction of a building.

A fire risk assessment considers the fire hazards present within occupied premises, the people who may be at risk and the measures required to manage those risks.

A fire risk assessment may identify issues that require a more detailed specialist survey. Similarly, understanding the original fire strategy can help specialists determine whether passive fire protection measures continue to perform as intended.

When Should a Fire Strategy Be Reviewed?

A fire strategy should remain relevant to the building and the fire protection measures it relies upon. It should therefore be reviewed and updated when necessary rather than treated as a document that is produced once and never revisited.

A review may be appropriate following significant construction work, refurbishment or changes to the building’s layout or use. Changes that affect escape routes, compartmentation or other important fire safety provisions may also need to be considered.

Maintaining accurate information is particularly important because alterations made over the life of a building can affect measures that formed part of the original fire strategy.

If you need support assessing the passive fire protection within your building, Adaston’s experienced team provides surveys, consultancy and remediation services across the UK. Contact Adaston to discuss your building or project requirements.

Problems can arise when construction work, alterations or new services compromise these measures. For example, creating an unprotected opening through a compartment wall can affect the integrity of the entire compartment.

Specialist surveys can therefore be used to establish whether installed measures reflect the required design and remain effective.

Adaston’s fire consultancy services provide independent oversight of passive fire protection including fire doors, fire compartmentation, fire dampers, penetration sealing systems and remediation works.

Where more detailed investigation is required, a fire compartmentation survey can identify defects, service penetrations and other areas where the integrity of the building’s compartmentation may have been compromised.

Fire Strategies and Approved Document B

Approved Document B provides statutory guidance supporting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England.

It covers key areas of building fire safety including means of warning and escape, internal fire spread, external fire spread and access and facilities for the fire service.

However, fire safety requirements can vary considerably according to the nature of the building and proposed construction work. A fire strategy therefore needs to consider the specific project rather than treating guidance as a one-size-fits-all solution.

The relevant regulations, guidance and standards should be considered when the strategy is produced and when construction work is carried out.

Is a Fire Strategy the Same as a Fire Risk Assessment?

No. Although they are closely related to building fire safety, a fire strategy and a fire risk assessment have different purposes.

A fire strategy primarily explains the approach to fire safety within the design and construction of a building.

A fire risk assessment considers the fire hazards present within occupied premises, the people who may be at risk and the measures required to manage those risks.

A fire risk assessment may identify issues that require a more detailed specialist survey. Similarly, understanding the original fire strategy can help specialists determine whether passive fire protection measures continue to perform as intended.

When Should a Fire Strategy Be Reviewed?

A fire strategy should accurately reflect the building and the fire protection measures it relies upon.

A review may therefore be appropriate following significant construction work, refurbishment or changes to the building’s layout or use. Changes that affect escape routes, compartmentation or other important fire safety provisions may also need to be considered.

Maintaining accurate information is particularly important because alterations made over the life of a building can affect measures that were part of the original fire strategy.

If you need support assessing the passive fire protection within your building, Adaston’s experienced team provides surveys, consultancy and remediation services across the UK. Contact Adaston to discuss your building or project requirements.

What are the Key Elements of a Fire Strategy?

• Fire Detection Systems: A fire strategy specifies the type of detection systems, such as smoke alarms and heat sensors, necessary for early warning.  
• Compartmentation: This is the division of a building into fire-resisting sections to contain fire spread and provide safe evacuation routes. 
• Fire Suppression: Includes equipment such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers and fire blankets to control or extinguish a fire. 
• Evacuation Procedures: Clear, accessible escape routes and evacuation plans help occupants exit safely in an emergency. 
• Structural Fire Resistance: Building materials should be fire-resistant to prevent structural failure and buy time for evacuation. 
• Management of Fire Risk: Identifying fire hazards and establishing safety procedures. This includes regular drills and employee training, ensuring everyone is prepared. 

Why Is a Fire Strategy Important? 

A well-implemented fire strategy is important for multiple reasons: 

1. Protects Lives: The main purpose of any fire strategy is to safeguard the lives of building occupants by minimising fire risk and ensuring quick evacuation. 
2. Limits Property Damage: By controlling how fires spread, a fire strategy helps reduce damage, keeping costs for repairs and downtime as low as possible. 
3. Ensures Compliance: Local regulations often require fire strategies, especially for public or commercial buildings, ensuring safety standards are met. 
4. Minimises Business Interruptions: With a proper fire strategy, businesses can quickly recover from a fire, minimising financial impact and operational downtime. 

What is a Fire Strategy Example? 

To better understand how a fire strategy is applied, here’s a fire strategy example for an office building. 

Fire Detection and Alarms

In this example, the strategy begins with a detection system. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room and heat sensors placed in high-risk areas such as the kitchen. These systems are interconnected with an audible alarm to sound throughout the building, providing clear signals for evacuation. 

Compartmentation 

The building should be divided into zones (or compartments) to prevent fire from spreading. Fire doors and fire-resistant walls separate these zones. This creates a safe passage for people to escape, delays fire progression and allows for emergency services access. 

Evacuation Routes and Signage

The fire strategy should designate multiple emergency exits, each marked with illuminated signs. Escape routes must be kept clear and lead directly outside or to a safe assembly area. 

Fire Suppression Equipment 

Every floor should have strategically placed fire extinguishers and blankets. As well as this the building may be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. Fire suppression equipment must be accessible and clearly labelled for use by trained staff. 

Structural Safety 

Using fire-resistant materials for walls and ceilings provides essential protection. Components such as protected steel work can help maintain the building’s integrity and keep evacuation routes safe for longer during a fire. . 

How Can Adaston Help? 

At Adaston, we specialise in building safety, including compartmentation surveys, fire door surveys and new build compliance. Whether through detailed surveying in line with compartmentation requirements or by installing essential elements, we ensure your fire strategy is being followed and to standard.

By choosing Adaston, you gain peace of mind knowing your fire strategy complies with local regulations and prioritises the safety of your occupants. With ongoing support and guidance, Adaston helps you keep your fire safety measures up to date, ensuring your building remains protected as standards evolve. 

Contact Adaston to discuss your fire strategy needs and discover how we can help you create a safer, compliant and well-protected building.