Category Archives: Fire News

Do Internal Walls Actually Offer Fire Resistance? Don’t Assume They Do

Unfinished interior corridor with multiple newly constructed partition walls and open doorways, illustrating that internal walls should not automatically be assumed to provide fire resistance.

In many buildings across the UK, people assume that internal walls, especially stud partitions, automatically offer some degree of fire resistance. But in reality, this is a dangerous assumption. Not all walls are designed to resist fire, and unless they’ve been constructed and tested to a recognised standard, they may fail quickly during a blaze. […]

Retrofit Fire Stopping: What Can Be Done After the Walls Are Up?

Architectural blueprints spread across a wooden table with a tape measure and pencil, representing planning for retrofit fire-stopping work.

When it comes to fire protection, prevention is always better than cure. But what happens when the building is already finished, walls plastered, ceilings boarded, tenants moved in, and someone discovers that passive fire protection is missing or inadequate? This is where retrofit fire stopping comes in. Whether you’re dealing with a listed building, a […]

Do Fire Doors Need Third-Party Certification?

Closed timber fire door in a modern office corridor with an overhead door closer, vision panel and clearly marked fire exit sign above.

Fire doors are one of the most critical components of any building’s fire safety strategy. They provide vital protection by containing fire and smoke, preserving escape routes, and giving the fire service time to respond. But simply installing a door with a “fire door” sticker isn’t enough. So, do fire doors need third-party certification? While […]

How to Spot Non-Compliant Fire Safety Products Online

Person using a fire extinguisher to tackle flames in a controlled outdoor fire safety training exercise.

In a world of next-day delivery and competitive pricing, it’s tempting to buy fire safety products online. But not all products marketed as “compliant” actually meet UK standards. In fact, the growth of online marketplaces has also made it easier for counterfeit and non-certified items to enter workplaces, rental properties, and even schools. If you’re […]

What Is Fire Load, and Why Should You Care?

Cluttered office and storage area filled with cardboard boxes, paper files, shelving and office equipment, illustrating how combustible materials can increase a building’s fire load.

When assessing fire risk in a building, most people think about alarms, extinguishers, or escape routes. But one of the most critical, and often overlooked, factors is fire load. If you’re responsible for fire safety in a building, whether as a business owner, landlord, or facilities manager, understanding fire load can make all the difference […]

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

Wheelchair user viewed from behind in a modern office lobby, illustrating accessible emergency evacuation planning and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

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-damaged commercial meeting room with soot-blackened walls, damaged ceiling tiles, burned office furniture and debris covering the floor.

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

Smoke-filled commercial corridor with reduced visibility, closed fire doors and an illuminated emergency exit sign.

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

Modern commercial atrium with a high-mounted voice alarm speaker and fire alarm sounder, illustrating voice evacuation systems in large public buildings.

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?

Bright bedroom with a large multi-pane window, curtains and an unobstructed view outside, illustrating fire escape window considerations in residential properties.

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 […]