A fire strategy report sets out how fire safety is incorporated into the design and use of a building. Decisions about layout, materials, escape routes, and fire protection systems determine how safe a building will be in the event of a fire.
In this guide, we explain what a fire strategy report covers, when it is required, and who is responsible. We also discuss how this document supports compliance and helps ensure the safety of occupants throughout a building’s lifecycle.
What is a fire strategy report?
A fire strategy report (also known as a fire strategy document or fire safety strategy report) is a formal document that sets out the fire safety measures for a building and how they are intended to function.
This report brings together all relevant fire safety measures into one document, explaining:
- The building’s design and layout, including how the structure, size, and use of the building influence fire safety measures.
- Fire safety systems and controls, such as fire detection, alarms, suppression systems, and passive fire protection features.
- Evacuation procedures, detailing how occupants will be warned and safely evacuated in the event of a fire.
- Responsibilities for maintaining fire safety, stating who is accountable for managing, inspecting, and maintaining fire safety measures over time.
Fire strategy reports are normally produced at the design stage of a building and refined during construction. They should then be maintained and updated throughout the building’s lifecycle to reflect changes in layout, use, and responsibility.
These reports are developed in line with Building Regulations 2010 (including Approved Document B) and recognised guidance such as BS 9999, which provides a code of practice for fire safety in building design and management.
What is a fire strategy?
Fire strategy is the underlying plan that defines how a building is designed, constructed, and managed to reduce fire risk and protect life.
The fire strategy report is the document that records and communicates this plan.
What is included in a fire strategy report?
Fire strategy reports usually include the following key elements:
Building description
An overview of the building, including layout, size, height, and intended use. This also covers the type of occupants (e.g. residential, commercial, or mixed use) and expected occupancy levels, which influence fire safety measures and evacuation planning.
Fire risk profile
An assessment of potential fire hazards within the building, including sources of ignition (such as electrical equipment), fuel (such as furnishings or stored materials), and oxygen sources. These factors determine the level of fire risk and appropriate control measures.
Means of escape
Details of how occupants can safely exit the building in the event of a fire, including escape routes, exits, travel distances, and the evacuation strategy, such as simultaneous or phased evacuation.
Fire detection and alarm systems
Information on the type and coverage of fire detection and alarm systems, including the use of smoke or heat detectors and how occupants are alerted to a fire.
Fire compartmentation
The use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors to divide the building into compartments. These measures help limit the spread of fire and smoke, supporting safe evacuation and firefighting operations.
Fire suppression systems
The systems in place to control or extinguish fires, such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or other suppression technologies, and how they contribute to overall fire protection.
Smoke control systems
Arrangements for managing smoke movement, including natural or mechanical ventilation and smoke extraction systems, which help maintain visibility and safe escape routes.
Emergency lighting
Provision of emergency lighting to ensure escape routes remain visible if normal lighting fails, including coverage and positioning.
Fire service access
Access arrangements for firefighters, including entry points, fire-fighting shafts, dry or wet risers, and facilities such as fire lifts.
Management and maintenance
Defined responsibilities for fire safety and the arrangements for inspection, testing, and maintenance to ensure systems remain effective throughout the building’s lifecycle.
How is a fire strategy report different from a fire risk assessment?
A fire strategy report and a fire risk assessment serve different but complementary purposes in fire safety management.
A fire strategy report sets out the design intent of a building, explaining how fire safety has been incorporated into its layout, structure, and systems. It is usually produced during the design or construction stage and supports compliance with Building Regulations (including Regulation 38) and the Building Safety Act 2022.
A fire risk assessment focuses on how fire safety is managed in practice once the building is occupied. It involves identifying hazards, assessing risks to people, and ensuring appropriate control measures are in place. Fire risk assessments are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be reviewed regularly.
The key differences are:
- A fire strategy report focuses on design and built-in fire safety measures
- A fire risk assessment focuses on ongoing risk management and day-to-day use
- A fire strategy report is produced at design or construction stage, while a fire risk assessment is carried out throughout the building’s lifecycle
Together, these documents provide a complete approach to fire safety. The fire strategy report defines how fire safety is intended to work, while the fire risk assessment ensures those measures remain effective in practice.
Who needs a fire strategy report?
A fire safety strategy report is required for:
- New building developments, to demonstrate how fire safety has been considered and integrated into the design from the outset.
- High-rise and higher-risk residential buildings, where more detailed fire safety planning is needed to protect occupants and support evacuation strategies.
- Complex or large commercial premises, where layout, occupancy, and use create more challenging fire safety considerations.
- Buildings undergoing significant refurbishment or change of use, to ensure fire safety measures remain appropriate and compliant following any changes.
In many cases, a fire strategy document is required to support building control approval and demonstrate compliance with UK fire safety regulations, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
When are fire strategy plans required?
Fire strategy plans are required at key stages in a building’s lifecycle, particularly where design decisions or changes affect fire safety.
These include:
- During the design stage, to inform building layout, escape routes, and fire protection measures before construction begins.
- At building control submission and approval, to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations.
- During construction, to ensure fire safety measures are implemented in line with the approved design.
- When significant alterations are made, such as extensions, reconfiguration, or changes to building use that impact fire safety.
Fire strategy plans ensure that fire safety is considered throughout the project, not just at completion.
Who is responsible for a fire strategy report?
Responsibility for a fire strategy report depends on the stage of the building lifecycle:
- Design stage: fire engineers, architects, and designers are responsible for developing the fire strategy and ensuring fire safety is integrated into the building’s design in line with Building Regulations.
- Construction stage: contractors and developers are responsible for implementing the fire strategy correctly and ensuring that fire safety measures are installed as specified.
- Occupation stage: the Responsible Person or duty holder is responsible for maintaining fire safety and keeping the fire strategy document up to date. This is normally the building owner, employer, landlord, or managing agent, who is legally responsible under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Once the building is in use, the fire strategy document should be kept up to date and reflect any changes to layout, use, or occupancy.
Is a fire strategy report a legal requirement?
A fire strategy report is not specifically named in UK legislation. However, under Building Regulations 2010, Regulation 38, there is a legal requirement to provide fire safety information to the Responsible Person when a building is completed.
Regulation 38 requires that sufficient information is handed over to enable the building to be operated and maintained safely in relation to fire risk. This includes details of fire safety systems, means of escape, compartmentation, and other critical fire protection measures.
In practice, this requirement is usually met through a fire strategy report or fire strategy document, as it provides a clear and structured way of presenting the required information.
Further legislation strengthens these requirements. The Building Safety Act 2022 places duties on those responsible for higher-risk buildings to manage and maintain up-to-date safety information, including the “golden thread” of building data.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Article 9 requires the Responsible Person to identify fire risks, implement appropriate measures, and maintain fire safety arrangements, which relies on having accurate and accessible fire safety information.
Who is qualified to write a fire strategy report?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Article 18, any person appointed to assist with fire safety must be competent.
A competent person is a qualified fire engineer or fire safety specialist with expertise in building design, fire behaviour, evacuation strategies, and fire protection systems. Producing a fire strategy requires an understanding of how these elements interact and how they align with Building Regulations and relevant guidance.
Professionals responsible for preparing fire strategy reports must hold recognised qualifications, such as Chartered status through the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) or have equivalent experience in fire engineering and safety consultancy.
How often should a fire strategy document be reviewed?
A fire strategy document does not have a prescribed review period in legislation. However, it should be reviewed and updated whenever there are significant changes that could affect fire safety.
This aligns with duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements to be kept up to date.
Reviews are required where there are:
- Refurbishment or building works
- Changes in layout or use
- Changes in occupancy or occupant profile
- Modifications to fire safety systems
- Relevant legislative or regulatory updates
Maintaining an up-to-date fire strategy ensures that fire safety measures remain effective and reflect how the building is really used.
Why fire strategy reports are important
Fire strategy reports are critical for ensuring a consistent, coordinated approach to fire safety throughout a building’s design, construction, and occupation.
Compliance with UK fire safety legislation
A fire strategy report supports compliance with key legislation, including Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Clear documentation demonstrates that fire safety has been properly considered and implemented throughout the design and construction of a building.
Supporting safe building design and operation
A well-developed fire strategy ensures fire safety is integrated into the design from the outset, rather than added later. It also provides a framework for how the building should be managed during occupation to maintain those standards.
Reducing the risk and impact of fire
Identifying hazards and defining appropriate control measures reduces the likelihood of a fire occurring. Measures such as compartmentation and suppression systems also limit the spread and impact of fire and smoke, protecting people and property.
Providing clear guidance in an emergency
Defined evacuation procedures and alarm systems ensure occupants understand how to respond in the event of a fire. This reduces confusion and supports a safe, orderly evacuation.
Supporting fire and rescue service response
Accurate information on building layout, fire protection measures, and access arrangements enables fire and rescue services to respond more effectively. This supports safer and more efficient firefighting operations.
Without a clear fire strategy, fire safety measures can become inconsistent, increasing the risk to people and property.
Do you need a fire strategy report?
Praxis42 fire safety consultants provide expertly developed fire strategy reports tailored to your building and its risks.
- BAFE SP205 certified and NSI Gold accredited
- Aligned with current UK fire safety legislation and BS 9999
- Clear, pragmatic recommendations you can act on
Please speak to our friendly team about delivering a compliant, effective fire strategy report for your building: 0203 011 4242 / info@praxis42.com
Rob Sherman
Director of Fire Safety
