What Is a Fire Strategy Plan?
A fire strategy plan is a document that sets out how a building is designed and managed to protect people from fire. It explains the fire safety measures needed to help prevent a fire, limit the spread of fire and smoke, and allow occupants to escape safely in an emergency.
Fire strategy plans are an important consideration when designing new buildings, carrying out major refurbishments or changing how an existing building is used. They help ensure that fire safety is considered as part of the building’s overall design rather than treated as a separate issue.
In this guide, we explain what a fire strategy plan includes, when one may be needed and how it supports building fire safety.
What Does a Fire Strategy Plan Include?
The contents of a fire strategy plan will depend on the building’s design, size, layout, intended use and level of risk. It should explain how the proposed or existing fire safety measures work together to protect occupants.
A fire strategy plan may cover the following areas.
Means of Escape
The plan considers how people can leave the building safely if a fire occurs. This includes the location and arrangement of escape routes, staircases, corridors and final exits.
The design should take account of how many people may occupy the building, how they use the space and whether anyone may need assistance to evacuate.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
A fire strategy should consider how a fire will be detected and how occupants will be warned. Depending on the building, this may involve automatic fire detection, manual call points, alarm systems and other warning arrangements.
The appropriate provisions will depend on the building’s use, layout and fire risk.
Compartmentation and Fire Separation
Fire compartmentation helps restrict the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. This can involve fire-resisting walls, floors, doors and other protective measures.
A suitable fire strategy considers how these elements work together to protect escape routes and give occupants time to leave safely.
Smoke Control and Ventilation
Smoke can make escape routes difficult to use and reduce visibility during an emergency. Where required, a fire strategy may include smoke control measures designed to manage the movement of smoke through the building.
The approach will depend on the building’s design and the relevant fire safety requirements.
Firefighting Facilities
The strategy may also consider facilities intended to support firefighting operations. Depending on the building, these could include access for fire and rescue services, firefighting shafts, dry or wet risers and other specialist provisions.
Evacuation Arrangements
A fire strategy should explain the intended approach to evacuation. This may include simultaneous evacuation, phased evacuation or other arrangements appropriate to the building.
The plan should consider the people who use the premises, including visitors and anyone who may need additional assistance during an emergency.
When Is a Fire Strategy Plan Needed?
A fire strategy plan may be required or advisable in a range of circumstances, including:
- Designing a new commercial or residential building.
- Planning a major refurbishment or extension.
- Changing the use of a building.
- Altering the layout or means of escape.
- Reviewing the fire safety arrangements in a complex building.
- Demonstrating how a building’s design addresses relevant fire safety requirements.
The exact requirements depend on the building and the work being undertaken. A fire strategy should be developed by a suitably competent professional who can consider the relevant building regulations, fire safety guidance and characteristics of the premises.
What Is the Difference Between a Fire Strategy Plan and a Fire Risk Assessment?
Although they are closely related, a fire strategy plan and a fire risk assessment serve different purposes.
A fire strategy plan generally explains how fire safety is incorporated into a building’s design. It considers matters such as means of escape, fire compartmentation, detection systems and smoke control.
A fire risk assessment examines the fire hazards present in premises, identifies who may be at risk and evaluates whether suitable precautions are in place. It also considers fire safety management, emergency arrangements and any improvements that may be needed.
A fire strategy plan does not replace the need for a fire risk assessment where one is required. Both may be relevant to maintaining appropriate fire safety arrangements throughout a building’s life.
Why Is a Fire Strategy Plan Important?
A clear fire strategy helps ensure that fire safety measures are considered together rather than in isolation. It can support building design decisions, help identify potential issues before work begins and provide a reference for those responsible for the building.
It can also help building owners, developers, designers and facilities managers understand how different fire safety provisions contribute to protecting occupants.
Where a building’s use or layout changes, the existing strategy may need to be reviewed to determine whether it remains appropriate.
How Fire Safety Compliance Can Help
Understanding the fire safety requirements of your premises is an important part of protecting occupants and maintaining suitable safety arrangements.
Fire Safety Compliance can help you understand your fire safety responsibilities and identify the appropriate support for your building. Whether you are planning building work or reviewing existing fire safety arrangements, seeking advice from a competent professional can help you determine the next steps.
Contact Fire Safety Compliance to discuss your requirements and find out how we can support your fire safety needs.
