Category Archives: Fire News

What UK Fire Statistics Tell Us About Fire Safety Today

Firefighter wearing breathing apparatus entering a smoke-filled, fire-damaged house corridor with flames burning in a room ahead.

Fire safety has improved significantly over the years, but fires remain a real and ongoing risk across the UK. By looking at the latest fire statistics, we can better understand where fires start, why they happen, and what can be done to prevent them. Statistics don’t just show numbers; they highlight patterns, behaviours, and risks […]

How Fire Protection Saves Buildings Every Year

Firefighters using a hose to tackle a serious fire in a multi-storey apartment building, with flames, smoke and fire damage visible across several floors.

Fires can start suddenly and spread quickly, causing devastating damage to buildings, businesses, and homes. While news reports often focus on fires that result in major destruction, what is less widely discussed is how often fire protection systems prevent fires from becoming catastrophic. Every year, a combination of fire safety measures, from alarms and extinguishers […]

The Most Dangerous Room in a House for Fire Risk

Kitchen pan fire producing flames and thick smoke, with soot damage visible around the cooker and extractor hood in a UK home.

When people think about house fires, they often imagine flames starting in a fireplace or from faulty wiring hidden behind the walls. While these can certainly cause fires, statistics and fire investigations consistently point to one area of the home as the most common and dangerous place for fires to start. That room is the […]

Why Some Materials Are Naturally Fire Resistant

Smoke rising from a severely fire-damaged UK house roof, with charred rafters, broken tiles and soot-stained brickwork visible.

When people think about fire safety in buildings, they often focus on alarms, extinguishers, or fire doors. However, one of the most important factors in how a fire behaves is the materials used to build the structure itself. Some materials burn easily and can fuel a fire, while others resist heat and flames much more […]

Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Installed?

Close-up of a ceiling-mounted smoke alarm in a modern UK hallway, with another alarm visible on the upstairs landing near the staircase.

Smoke alarms are one of the most important pieces of fire safety equipment in any home or building. They provide early warning of a fire, giving people precious time to escape before smoke and flames spread. However, simply having smoke alarms isn’t enough. Where they are installed is just as important as having them in […]

Why Small Gaps in Walls Can Be a Major Fire Risk

Firefighters on an aerial platform spraying water onto a multi-storey apartment building engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

When people think about fire safety in buildings, they often focus on obvious things like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, or fire doors. However, one of the most overlooked dangers can be something much smaller, gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings. Even a small opening around pipes, cables, or ductwork can significantly increase the risk of […]

Why Steel Needs Fire Protection in Buildings

Exposed structural steel frame of a multi-storey building under construction, highlighting the importance of protecting steel from heat during a fire.

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in modern construction. It’s strong, versatile, and capable of supporting large loads while allowing architects and engineers to design impressive structures. From office buildings and warehouses to shopping centres and apartment blocks, steel forms the backbone of many buildings. However, despite its strength, steel has a […]

What Is Intumescent Coating for Timber, and Does It Really Work?

Smouldering remains of a fire-damaged timber frame, with charred beams, collapsed debris and smoke rising from the wet ruins.

Timber is widely loved for its natural beauty, sustainability, and versatility in construction. But there’s no denying it, wood burns. So how can we use timber safely in homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces without compromising on fire safety? That’s where intumescent coatings come in. These specialised paints and varnishes are designed to react under […]

Fire Retardant vs Fire Resistant Wood: What’s the Difference?

Fire-damaged wooden garden structure with charred timber, collapsed sections and smoke rising from the burned remains.

When it comes to using timber in construction or interiors, fire safety is a key consideration. Wood is a combustible material, but with the right treatment or selection, it can be made far safer in the event of a fire. That’s where the terms fire retardant and fire resistant come into play. They’re often used […]

Fire-Rated Foam vs. Intumescent Sealant: Which Should You Use?

Worker applying fire-rated expanding foam around a metal pipe penetration in a fire-rated wall during construction.

When sealing gaps, service penetrations, or voids in walls and floors, choosing the right firestop product is critical. Two of the most common options are fire-rated expanding foam and intumescent sealant, both designed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading between compartments. But while they serve a similar purpose, these products are not interchangeable. So, when […]