In today’s built environment, where regulatory scrutiny is high and design complexity is growing, a comprehensive fire safety strategy is a critical component of risk management. It not only protects life and property but also supports smoother planning approvals, reduced liability, and long-term operational resilience.
This article explains what a fire safety strategy involves, its role in project risk management, and how FDS Consult UK delivers compliant, cost-effective strategies tailored to your building.
What Is a Fire Safety Strategy?
A fire safety strategy is a formal document that outlines how fire protection objectives are achieved in a building.
It includes:
- Means of warning and escape
- Internal fire spread (linings and structure)
- External fire spread
- Access and facilities for fire and rescue services
- Smoke control and suppression systems
- Fire detection and alarm systems
A robust strategy is tailored to the building’s layout, use class, occupant type, and regulatory pathway (e.g. compliance via Approved Document B, BS 9999, or BS 7974).
How It Supports Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
A well-developed strategy ensures early alignment with Building Regulations, Approved Document B, and relevant BS/EN standards. This reduces the risk of redesign, delays, or rejections.
Performance-Based Flexibility
By using engineering principles (BS 7974) or tools like CFD modelling, the strategy can justify alternative approaches when prescriptive routes aren’t viable.
Liability Mitigation
A clear, auditable document proves due diligence and appropriate design decisions—critical in the event of an incident or challenge.
Cost Efficiency
Integrating fire safety early allows for optimised layouts, reduced service overprovisioning, and coordination with MEP and structural design.
Business Continuity
For operational sites like hospitals, schools, or logistics centres, the strategy can include phased evacuation, smoke compartmentation, and resilience planning.
What’s Included in a FDS Consult UK Fire Strategy
- Building Description & Regulatory Pathway
- Means of Escape & Occupancy Load Analysis
- Smoke Ventilation & Control Strategy
- Firefighting Provisions & Access Routes
- Suppression Systems (sprinklers, mist, gas)
- Fire Alarm & Detection Layout
- Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Recommendations for FRA or Gateway Submissions
Supporting Regulatory Milestones
Our strategies are prepared with the following in mind:
- Planning Application (Gateway One): Fire Safety Statements
- Building Control (Gateway Two): Full strategy with supporting analysis
- Occupation Readiness (Gateway Three): As-built strategy and system validation
Fire Safety Strategy FAQs
Can you retrofit a fire strategy to an existing building?
Yes. We regularly prepare strategies for refurbishments, change-of-use, and occupancy reviews.
What format do your strategies come in?
PDF reports with CAD overlays, appendices, and executive summaries for non-technical stakeholders.
Can you help update our strategy to meet new regulations?
Absolutely. We audit older reports and align them with the latest Fire Safety (England) Regulations and BSR expectations.
FDS Fire Safe Strategy
A fire safety strategy isn’t just a technical document—it’s a vital risk management tool that improves safety, accelerates approvals, and strengthens your project’s resilience. FDS Consult UK delivers comprehensive, regulator-ready strategies supported by decades of fire engineering experience.
Request a fire strategy proposal or speak to our consultancy team about a compliance audit for your development.
