What Is a Fire Strategy?

A fire strategy is an important component of building safety, designed to prevent fires and protect occupants if one occurs. This article outlines measures to detect, contain and manage fires, ensuring fast evacuation and minimising damage. 

With safety standards becoming increasingly strict, understanding and implementing fire safety is essential. 

What Is a Fire Strategy? 

A fire strategy is a structured document which details how a building’s design and systems work together to reduce fire risks. In the UK, a fire strategy is important for ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, especially under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This regulation requires all commercial and certain residential properties to have a fire strategy in place. The strategy should outline procedures and precautions to reduce fire risks and ensure safe evacuation in an emergency.

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.