Category Archives: Fire News

Top 5 Winter Fire Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Cosy winter living room with a portable heater, lit candle, plugged-in extension lead, Christmas tree and wood-burning stove, illustrating common seasonal fire hazards.

Winter is a time for warmth, comfort, and festive cheer, but it also brings a sharp rise in domestic and workplace fire risks. From overloaded sockets to open flames, cold-weather habits can quickly turn dangerous if fire safety is overlooked. In this post, we highlight the top 5 winter fire hazards and how you can […]

What Counts as a ‘Material Change’ Under Fire Safety Law?

Commercial building undergoing major internal renovation, with exposed walls and ceiling services beside a finished corridor and clearly marked fire exit.

Fire safety compliance isn’t static. A building that was once compliant under UK fire safety law can become non-compliant overnight, not because anything went wrong, but because something changed. That “something” is often what’s referred to as a material change. But what does that actually mean in practice? And when do building alterations, refurbishments, or […]

The One Fire Safety Sign Most Sites Forget

Fire action notice displayed beside a manual fire alarm call point in a modern commercial corridor, with a clearly marked fire exit visible nearby.

When it comes to fire safety signage, most building managers know the basics: “Fire Exit,” directional arrows, “Fire Door Keep Shut,” and maybe a few extinguisher ID signs. But there’s one essential sign that often gets forgotten, despite being a legal requirement under UK fire safety regulations. That sign?The “Fire Action Notice.” It’s the one […]

How to Read a Fire Door Certificate

Fire door inspector checking a certified timber fire door and recording details on a clipboard in a modern commercial corridor.

Fire doors are one of the most critical passive fire protection measures in any building. But how do you know that a door is truly certified and that it’s installed as tested? Enter the fire door certificate, a document that provides evidence that the door has been tested to meet a specific fire resistance rating. […]

Is Your Fire Alarm Too Old to Comply? How to Check the System’s Age

Fire safety engineer inspecting an ageing fire alarm control panel and recording system details on a clipboard in a commercial building.

Fire alarm systems are one of the most vital pieces of life safety equipment in any building, but like all technology, they don’t last forever. Even if your fire alarm still activates when tested, that doesn’t necessarily mean it meets current safety standards. In fact, many older systems may no longer be compliant with BS […]

Is Your Intumescent Seal Installed the Right Way Round?

Close-up of a timber fire door showing a correctly fitted black intumescent smoke seal between the door leaf and frame.

When it comes to fire door safety, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. One such detail? The orientation of the intumescent fire seal. It might seem like a minor installation step, but fitting the seal the wrong way round can seriously compromise your fire door’s performance, and may even render your certification invalid. […]

Is a Visual Alarm Needed in Your Workplace?

Wall-mounted visual fire alarm beacon flashing near ceiling level in a modern workplace corridor with a fire exit visible in the distance.

When planning your workplace fire safety system, sounders and bells are often the first things that come to mind. But what if someone can’t hear them? Whether due to a hearing impairment, high background noise, or specific environmental conditions, audible alarms alone may not be enough to keep everyone safe. That’s where visual alarms, also […]

Do I Need Fire Detection in My Loft Conversion?

Loft conversion bedroom with a ceiling-mounted smoke alarm, skylight and staircase providing access to the floor below.

Loft conversions are a popular way to add extra space and value to your home, but when you build upwards, fire safety becomes even more critical. One of the most common questions during planning is:“Do I need a fire alarm or smoke detector in the loft?” The short answer is: yes, in almost all cases. […]

The ‘Temporary’ Fixes That Become Permanent Fire Hazards

Commercial corridor with a fire door wedged open and cardboard boxes stored along the escape route, illustrating temporary fixes that can become permanent fire hazards.

Why small workarounds and quick fixes can quietly undermine your fire safety strategy In the fast pace of daily operations, it’s not unusual to see a “temporary” workaround in a building. This could be a fire door wedged open “just for airflow”, a blocked riser cupboard “just until we sort storage”, or a cable hole […]

Can Your Building’s Fire Alarm Be Heard in the Toilets? Why It Matters

Modern workplace toilet with enclosed cubicles, tiled walls and handwashing facilities, highlighting the importance of ensuring fire alarms can be heard clearly in washroom areas.

When most people think about fire alarm coverage, they picture detectors in corridors, call points by exits, and sounders in busy rooms. But one space is often forgotten, the toilets. It might seem minor, but if your fire alarm can’t be heard clearly in the toilets, it could pose a serious risk to life. In […]