Fire Strategies
Professionally prepared fire strategy reports for new builds, conversions, extensions, changes of use and complex developments, helping coordinate escape, compartmentation, detection and firefighting measures.
Coordinated Fire Strategy Reports
A fire strategy brings the key fire-safety measures for a building into one coordinated document. It explains how occupants are expected to escape, how fire and smoke will be contained, how warning will be provided and how the fire and rescue service can access and operate within the site.
One Stop Consult works with experienced fire-engineering specialists to arrange fire strategy reports for projects across England and Wales. Reports can support new buildings, residential and commercial conversions, extensions, changes of use and complex developments.
The strategy helps the architect, developer, design team and Building Control understand the proposed approach and coordinate the fire-safety requirements before construction progresses too far.
What a Fire Strategy May Consider
The exact content depends on the building, design stage and project complexity, but the strategy commonly addresses the following matters.
Means of Escape
Escape routes, travel distances, stairways, final exits and evacuation arrangements.
Compartmentation
Fire-resisting walls, floors, doors, protected shafts and separation between different uses.
Fire Detection and Alarm
The proposed warning system, coverage, category and interface with other fire-safety measures.
Emergency Lighting and Signage
Illumination and directional information supporting safe evacuation.
Smoke Control and Ventilation
Natural or mechanical smoke-control measures where required by the building design.
Firefighting Access
Appliance access, hydrants, rising mains, firefighting shafts and facilities for operational crews.
Why You May Need a Fire Strategy
A fire strategy is often required where a project is too large, unusual or complex to be addressed through standard design notes alone. It may also be requested by Building Control, the fire authority, insurers, funders or other project stakeholders.
Early fire-safety design helps identify issues before they become expensive to resolve. Stair numbers, compartment walls, smoke-control systems and firefighter access can all affect the architectural, structural and services design.
Fire Strategies for a Range of Developments
New-Build and Retrospective Fire Strategies
The approach differs depending on whether the building is still being designed or is already complete and occupied.
New-Build Fire Strategies
Developed alongside the design team so fire safety can influence the building layout, structure, services and construction details.
Conversion Strategies
Review how an existing building can safely accommodate a new use, altered occupancy or revised internal arrangement.
Retrospective Strategies
Assess an existing or completed building where no adequate original fire strategy is available.
Design Change Reviews
Update or supplement an existing strategy where significant changes have been made to the approved design.
Standards and Compliance
Fire strategy reports are prepared with reference to the relevant legislation, guidance and project-specific requirements. The current OSC service refers to Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 7974 where applicable and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Other standards or guidance may also apply depending on the building type, location, use, height and proposed fire-safety systems.
Coordination With the Wider Design Team
Fire safety affects multiple disciplines. The strategy should be coordinated with the architectural design, structure, mechanical and electrical services and the proposed construction details.
One Stop Consult can help coordinate information between the fire specialist, architect, structural engineer and Building Control where required.
Fire Strategy Drawings
Technical drawings may be included where required to show escape routes, compartmentation, fire-resisting construction, firefighting access and other key fire-safety measures.
Drawings should be based on the latest architectural information and updated where the building design changes.
How the Fire Strategy Process Works
The process begins with a review of the project scope, building design and available fire-safety information.
Initial Review
Assess the building type, project stage, design complexity and available information.
Scope and Quotation
Confirm the required report, drawings, meetings and approval support.
Fire Safety Design
Develop the escape, compartmentation, detection and firefighting approach.
Report Preparation
Prepare the coordinated fire strategy and supporting drawings.
Design Team Support
Respond to queries and assist with Building Control review where included.
Information Required for a Quotation
Provide the full project address, description of works, building use, number of storeys, approximate height, floor area and current design stage.
Please also provide the latest plans, elevations and sections, together with any existing fire strategy, Building Control comments, planning information or previous fire reports.
Fire Strategy Reports Across England and Wales
One Stop Consult coordinates professionally prepared fire strategy reports for suitable residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across England and Wales.
Other Services Your Project May Require
Important Fire Strategy Information
A fire strategy is based on the project information and drawings available at the time of preparation. Significant changes to layout, use, occupancy, construction, services or fire-safety systems may require the strategy to be reviewed and updated. Building Control, the fire authority, insurer or other stakeholder may request further information or a different approach. The strategy does not replace the need for detailed design, competent installation, commissioning, inspection and ongoing fire-safety management. One Stop Consult provides consultancy and coordination support through experienced fire-engineering specialists.
Fire Strategy FAQs
What is a fire strategy?
It is a coordinated document explaining how the building will meet its fire-safety objectives through escape, containment, detection and firefighting measures.
Which projects may require one?
Fire strategies are commonly required for apartment developments, commercial buildings, mixed-use schemes, care homes, hotels, conversions and complex extensions.
Can Building Control request a fire strategy?
Yes. Building Control may request a detailed report where the proposed design requires clearer fire-safety justification.
Does the strategy include means of escape?
Yes. Escape routes, travel distances, stairs, exits and evacuation arrangements are key parts of the strategy.
Are technical drawings included?
Drawings can be included where required to explain compartmentation, escape routes and other fire-safety measures.
Can you prepare a retrospective fire strategy?
Yes. Existing or completed buildings can be assessed where no adequate original strategy is available.
Which standards may apply?
The current OSC page refers to Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 7974 where applicable and the Fire Safety Order 2005.
Does the strategy need updating?
Yes. Significant design changes can affect the fire-safety approach and should be reviewed.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the address, description of works, building use, height, storeys, latest drawings and any Building Control correspondence.
Request Your Free Fire Strategy Quote
Complete the form below with the project address, description of works, building use and current design stage. Upload the latest plans, elevations, sections and any Building Control comments so our team can review the requirement and coordinate an appropriate quotation.