Category Archives: Fire News

Do You Have a PEEP in Place? (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)

Person in wheelchair overlooking city skyline from office

In the event of a fire, getting everyone out of the building quickly and safely is the top priority. But what happens if someone on site has mobility issues, hearing or vision impairments, or another condition that makes standard evacuation procedures unworkable? That’s where Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, or PEEPs, come in. These are legally important […]

Why Fire Safety Isn’t ‘One and Done’: The Case for Ongoing Maintenance

fire in the room smoke comes out of doors

It’s a common misconception: once your fire alarm system, extinguishers or emergency lighting are installed and signed off, you’re fully protected for years to come. But fire safety is not a “fit and forget” task. Buildings evolve, sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. Offices get rearranged, staff numbers increase, storage piles up in new areas, and tenancies […]

How Fire Compartmentation Is Breached Without You Realising

People walk through the smoke-filled corridor of a public building to escape the fire

Fire compartmentation is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of fire and smoke in a building. It’s a cornerstone of passive fire protection, designed to give occupants time to escape and emergency services time to respond. But it’s also vulnerable, especially when those working on your property don’t realise it’s there, […]

Do You Need Voice Alarm Systems? When Sounders Aren’t Enough

Firefighters Battling Large Fire

In many buildings, the shrill tone of a traditional fire alarm sounder is enough to prompt swift evacuation. But in certain settings, that noise alone might cause confusion, delay, or even panic. This is where Voice Alarm (VA) systems come in. Instead of just a siren, these systems broadcast clear, pre-recorded or live voice messages […]

Are Your Fire Escape Windows Compliant?

Burning window at night

When it comes to fire safety in dwellings, it’s not just alarms and extinguishers that matter. One often-overlooked feature, especially in older properties and loft conversions, is the fire escape window. Also known as egress windows, these are crucial for allowing occupants a safe alternative route out of a room when the main exit is […]

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fire Extinguisher?

Red fire extinguisher in modern kitchen

When a fire breaks out, instinct might tell you to grab the nearest fire extinguisher and start spraying. But using the wrong type of extinguisher can quickly turn a manageable situation into a dangerous one. Fire extinguishers are colour-coded and classified for good reason; each is designed to deal with specific types of fires. In […]

Fire Stopping vs Fire Barriers: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Evacuating sign in office builging while fire

In the world of passive fire protection, terms like “fire stopping” and “fire barriers” are often used interchangeably. But they refer to distinct systems, each with a specific role in a building’s fire strategy. Understanding the difference is essential for anyone responsible for fire safety in commercial, residential, or mixed-use buildings. If you’re a landlord, […]

Fire Safety Signage: What the Colours and Symbols Really Mean

Fire exit and Keep clear sign

In an emergency, clear and effective signage can save lives. Fire safety signs are more than just stickers on a wall; they’re a crucial part of any building’s fire protection strategy, helping people navigate to safety and access life-saving equipment quickly. But what do all the colours and symbols mean? And which signs are required […]

Wireless vs. Hardwired Fire Alarms: Pros and Cons

Male Technician Checking Smoke Detector In Datacenter

When it comes to fire protection, your alarm system is one of the most critical lines of defence. Choosing between a wireless and hardwired fire alarm system can have big implications for cost, reliability, ease of installation, and long-term maintenance. So how do you know which one is right for your property? In this guide, […]

Do Fire Blankets Expire? What You Need to Know

A close-up of a red fire safety sign with icons for a fire blanket and fire extinguisher, displayed on a smooth surface.

Fire blankets are an essential part of any fire safety kit, especially in kitchens, workshops, and small commercial spaces. But like any safety equipment, fire blankets raise an important question:Do they expire? In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about fire blanket lifespan, how to check if yours is still safe to […]