Fire Statement

Following the recent announcement by the government of Planning Gateway One, the role of a fire statement has shifted to help in the government’s efforts to create a safer building environment.

With the construction industry shifting to create a safer building environment, fire statements are essential for demonstrating that fire safety considerations have been considered for new development projects.

What is a Fire Statement?

A fire statement is an individual document used to define the safety aspects and requirements of an upcoming development project and the methods that will be used to ensure these fire safety requirements are fulfilled.

The fire safety statement is used as supporting evidence by officials during their consideration of fire safety issues relevant to land use planning matters.

Developers moving forward will be required to submit the fire statement to local authorities for approval to demonstrate that fire safety considerations have been incorporated at the planning stage of a relevant building.

The Contents of a Fire Statement

As an official document that is to be reviewed by experts, the fire statement needs to be completed on a form published by the Secretary of State and contain accurate responses to the particulars specified and referred to within the form.

This can include information such as:

• The principles, concepts and approaches that relate to fire safety matters which have been applied to every building within the proposed development
• The site layout
• The accommodations made for emergency vehicle access and water supplies available for firefighting purposes
• The consultation (if any) that has been undertaken on any issues relating to the fire safety of the development and the response actioned
• How policy relating to fire safety in relevant local development documents have been factored

The level of detail which should be incorporated should not be to replace the information relating to fire safety which would be submitted at the building control application stage. It is not designed to duplicate or require compliance with building regulations or the Fire Safety Order.

Why are Fire Statements important?

Submitting a Fire Statement at the application stage is designed to ensure developers, architects and other stakeholders are factoring in the fire safety of the building and its future occupants.

In doing so, it demonstrates that elements including a Fire Safety Plan, Fire Escape Route and Fire Evacuation Plan are being factored into the building’s design and build.

FDS Consult UK

If you require consultation in completing a compliant Fire Statement get in touch with FDS today.