Fire Statements are now a legal requirement for certain developments in England. They play a critical role in Gateway One submissions and the planning process, particularly for high-rise residential and complex mixed-use buildings.
This resource offers guidance on Fire Statement content, outlines what a compliant statement should include, and explains how FDS Consult UK supports planning teams and developers.
What Is a Fire Statement?
A Fire Statement is a formal planning document demonstrating how fire safety has been considered in the early design stage. It’s submitted to meet Policy D12 of the London Plan and as part of the national Building Safety Act requirements.
Statements are mandatory for:
- Buildings over 18m or 7+ storeys with residential units
- Developments introducing new dwellings into HRBs
Fire Statement Template: Key Components
A compliant fire statement template includes:
Development overview: Address and planning reference, and a description of works.
Fire safety principles and objectives: Compliance with relevant guidance (ADB, BS 9991, BS 7974)
Means of escape strategy: Evacuation approach and provisions for disabled users
Access for firefighting: Vehicle access, firefighting shafts, water supply
Smoke control: Natural or mechanical smoke ventilation systems
Construction phase risk control: Temporary fire systems, safe site access
Engagement with fire consultants: Confirmation of involvement from qualified fire safety engineers
Why Standard Templates Fall Short
Many downloadable fire statement templates are overly generic, lacking site-specific references, diagrams, or technical justifications.
This leads to:
- Planning delays or rejections
- Multiple revision cycles with BSR
- Weak alignment to complex site constraints
How FDS Consult UK Supports Planning
We provide:
- Customised Fire Statement Templates: Tailored to your site, layout, and submission type
- Fast Turnaround: Statements produced in under 10 days for most projects
- Policy D12 Alignment: Ensures GLA and borough-specific compliance
- Schematic Plans: Firefighting access, escape routes, vent coverage
- Planning Liaison: Respond to queries or comments from the BSR or local authority
Who We Work With
- Architects and planning consultants
- Developers of high-rise and podium schemes
- Local authorities and housing associations
- Design & Build contractors
Fire Statement Plan FAQs
Q: Can I download a fire statement template from your site?
We provide editable templates upon engagement, ensuring your submission is unique and regulator-ready.
Q: Can you review a draft fire statement prepared in-house?
Yes—we provide review, enhancement, and compliance verification services.
Q: How does this link to Gateway Two?
While Fire Statements are for Gateway One, we ensure consistency with the developing fire strategy for later submission.
Fire Statements
A fire statement is more than just a template. It’s a critical planning document that shapes your project’s success from the outset. At FDS Consult UK, we tailor each fire statement to support approval, align with strategy, and reflect site-specific risks.
Request a fire statement template and planning support or speak with our Gateway One team today.
