When it comes to fire safety, prevention is only part of the equation. Equally important is having a clear, well-developed plan that details how a building will respond in the event of a fire. That’s where a fire strategy comes in — a fundamental document that outlines the fire safety approach of a building and forms the backbone of compliance with UK regulations.
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we work with clients across the UK to provide comprehensive fire strategy plans for all building types, at every stage of the construction lifecycle. Whether it’s a new development, a refurbishment, or a change of use, our competent fire engineers apply proven principles of fire engineering to protect lives, property, and business continuity.
What Is a Fire Strategy?
A fire strategy is a detailed document that defines how a building will prevent, detect, contain, and allow safe escape from fire. It takes into account the specific layout, use, occupancy, and materials involved in the building, along with any unique risks or requirements.
A properly developed fire strategy addresses key aspects such as:
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Means of escape for occupants
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Fire detection and alarm systems
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Firefighting access and equipment
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Compartmentation and fire resistance of structures
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Smoke control and ventilation
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Evacuation procedures
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Management of disabled access and refuge areas
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Integration with Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document B
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Compatibility with fire risk assessments, fire door surveys, and other related reports
Fire strategy reports are essential not only for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, but also for submission to Building Control, Approved Inspectors, and Fire and Rescue Services.
Who Needs a Fire Strategy?
Fire strategies are not just for large commercial projects or high-rise developments. They are required for a wide range of building types, including:
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New residential developments
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Schools and educational facilities
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Healthcare settings and care homes
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Warehouses and industrial units
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HMOs (houses in multiple occupation)
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Offices and retail spaces
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Mixed-use buildings and conversions
Even smaller buildings may require a fire strategy if they involve complex layouts, sleeping accommodation, or a change in use or structure.
Why Competent Fire Engineers Are Critical
Developing a fire strategy is not a tick-box exercise. It requires expert analysis, detailed technical understanding, and an ability to interpret both legislation and fire behaviour. That’s why our fire strategy reports are always undertaken by competent fire engineers.
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we have engineers with qualifications in Fire and Emergency Safety Engineering, years of practical experience, and in-depth knowledge of fire engineering principles, British Standards (such as BS 7974), and Building Regulations.
Our team supports clients through every stage of the process, including:
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Pre-planning advice and feasibility studies
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Detailed fire strategy reports for Building Control approval
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Design-stage coordination with architects and M&E consultants
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Retrospective fire strategies for existing buildings and conversions
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Ongoing consultation to support safe occupation and future alterations
Supporting You Through All Stages of Construction
We understand that fire safety must evolve with your project. That’s why we tailor our fire strategy services to align with each stage of construction:
1. Concept and Planning
We provide early-stage guidance to ensure that the design considers fire safety from the outset. This can prevent costly design changes later in the process.
2. Detailed Design
At this stage, we produce a comprehensive fire strategy report covering all regulatory and performance-based aspects. We coordinate closely with architects and designers to ensure our recommendations are integrated seamlessly.
3. Construction Phase
We offer ongoing advice and site inspections to confirm that fire safety measures are being installed in accordance with the strategy and relevant standards.
4. Completion and Handover
We support final sign-off with Building Control and provide the documentation required to satisfy your statutory obligations, including any operational fire strategy elements for end users.
5. Post-Occupation
Where needed, we update the fire strategy to reflect any modifications and help integrate the strategy with ongoing fire risk assessments and maintenance plans.
Working Closely with Building Control Authorities
One of the key reasons a fire strategy is essential is that it forms part of the documentation required for Building Control approval. Whether you’re working with a local authority or a private Approved Inspector, Building Control teams rely on clear, accurate, and compliant fire strategy reports to confirm that a building meets legal and safety requirements.
Building Control professionals are increasingly looking for fire strategies that are developed by competent fire engineers with the right qualifications, experience, and understanding of fire engineering principles. They expect the strategy to align with Approved Document B, relevant sections of BS 7974, and other key standards and guidance.
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we have extensive experience liaising directly with Building Control bodies across the UK and Ireland, ensuring that our fire strategy reports meet their expectations from the outset. This includes:
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Providing early-stage advice to support planning and design submissions
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Responding to queries and feedback during the approval process
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Supplying supporting documents, drawings, and technical justifications
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Advising on suitable alternative solutions where necessary
Our collaborative, detail-oriented approach helps prevent costly delays and resubmissions, making the approval process smoother for developers, architects, and contractors alike.
Whether you’re submitting a strategy for a small HMO or a large commercial development, you can be confident that our reports are produced by qualified professionals with a proven track record of working with Building Control.
Why Choose J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants?
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we pride ourselves on delivering clear, practical, and regulation-compliant fire strategies that support the unique needs of each client. Our approach is built on:
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Genuine expertise in fire engineering
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Transparent and collaborative service
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Nationwide support across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland
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Integration with our wider fire safety services, including fire risk assessments, compartmentation surveys, fire door surveys, and evacuation strategies
Whether you’re planning a new build, undergoing refurbishment, or seeking to bring an existing building up to standard, our fire strategy services are here to support you every step of the way.
Get in touch today to speak with one of our fire engineers about your project.
Visit: https://jsofiresafetyconsultants.co.uk/contact