A holistic approach to ensuring fire safety

Fire engineering experts Ashish Cirri and Tabea Uhr outline the challenges associated with fires in various building types, including educational, and examines the essential role of a fire engineer in developing effective fire strategies

Fire engineers are pivotal in designing and implementing effective fire strategies for all types of buildings. Effective engineering bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and practical, site-specific solutions. Fire engineers have key responsibilities, which begin by assessing the building’s concept design to identify potential sources of ignition, combustible materials, and overall vulnerabilities. This evaluation helps prioritise areas needing attention.

They then analyse travel distances and recommended detection and alarm systems.

‘Travel distance’ refers to the maximum distance occupants must travel to reach a safe exit. Shorter travel distances, particularly critical for younger children, are essential for a swift evacuation. Fire engineers calculate these distances in line with regulatory guidelines, ensuring that evacuation routes are both effective and safe. Fire engineers also recommend the building’s detection and alarm systems, integrating both manual call points and automatic detectors, comply with standards like BS 5839-1.

Fire engineers will then evaluate compartmentation. Effective compartmentation divides a building into fire-resistant sections to contain fire and smoke within, providing crucial extra minutes for evacuation and also benefits business continuity. Fire engineers review existing compartmentation and recommend improvements such as upgrading fire doors, adding fire-resistant walls, etc.

The final measure is to coordinate with approving authorities; collaborating with building control and local fire services is essential. Fire engineers develop and present their strategies for the building site to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the project, relevant regulations, and potential fire risks.  

Schools

Fire safety in schools is a top priority for educators, parents, and regulators. Schools pose unique risks due to vulnerable occupants (school children) and complex layouts that hinder evacuation. Despite the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fires persist due to outdated fire safety systems, insufficient alarms, and poor escape routes – often caused by weak enforcement, non-compliance, or financial constraints on safety upgrades.
Building Bulletin 100 (BB100) provides 
tailored fire safety design principles for new 
school buildings, extensions, and refurbishments. Unlike standard regulations,
it addresses the specific needs of educational 
environments.

Key fire safety challenges in schools include occupant vulnerability, as young children need structured evacuation plans and supervision during an evacuation.

Schools often have complex layouts, which feature multiple floors, specialised rooms and atria, requiring detailed evacuation analysis.
Another challenge is the high occupancy of schools. With hundreds of students and staff, efficient evacuation procedures are essential.
BB100 advocates for sprinkler systems in new schools, with exemptions requiring justification. It also offers risk assessment and cost-benefit tools to support fire safety planning.

Beyond structural measures, regular fire drills, and staff training, frequent strategy updates are crucial. However, budget limitations require cost-effective solutions. In response, emerging smart technologies, such as fire modelling software and sensor networks, are enhancing school fire safety.
Comprehensive fire safety strategies, innovative engineering, and continuous improvement are essential to protecting school occupants and ensuring a safe learning environment for future generations.

Residential

Since the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, fire safety regulations and design recommendations for residential buildings in the UK have changed significantly. These changes aim to make homes safer and prevent similar disasters, but clients and designers might find themselves facing complicated and everchanging laws, guidance and recommendations.

The key fire safety challenges include stricter regulations on building materials. Combustible materials are now banned from the building envelop and the use of flammable materials are limited. Façade remediations are required by law and the insurance industry.
Another challenge is new work processes and submission at planning. Buildings must pass “gateways” at different stages of planning, construction and use. For projects in London, additional restrictions apply.

Sprinkler systems are now recommended in buildings over 11 m. Other active systems (such as fire detection and alarm systems, smoke control systems, etc.) should also be provided.

Another challenge is compartmentation. Each flat is designed to contain fire (compartmentation), through providing fire resistant walls, floors and doors. Compartmentation, and the provision of multiple means of escape (stairs and evacuation lifts), form the foundation of a safe home.

Therefore, for both new and existing residential buildings, care should be given to understand the legal requirements for each building. Staying up-to-date with the continuing changes in legislation (e.g., Building Safety Act 2022) and design guidance is and will remain essential.

Other building types

Other building types, such as custodial premises, have other challenges and requirements. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, custodial premises in England were found to contain high fire risks, prompting life safety improvement works across different sites.

These works typically include a compartmentation review, which is essential for supporting evacuation while keeping offenders secured within the building. This involves assessing the quality of the existing fabric and performing retrospective fire stopping works.

Work includes smoke control systems. Installation in main circulation routes to maintain tenable conditions during evacuation. Most existing sites lack these systems and are required to be retrofitted at significant cost.

It also includes water mist suppression. Current protocol allows for cell misting before the evacuation from a cell. While most sites have mobile units, modern recommendations are for fixed systems, with nozzles in each cell.

These refurbishment works present common challenges across custodial premises nationwide. However, each site requires careful design to balance fire safety with security needs. New buildings on custodial premises are typically limited to temporary cells to support the refurbishment works.

Another building type that includes site specific fire safety measures are warehouses.

Warehouses play a vital role in the UK supply chain but present significant fire safety challenges due to their large open spaces, high storage densities, and mixed-use layouts. Ensuring fire safety is crucial for protecting both assets and lives. Fire engineers assess floor plans, storage materials, and operational risks to design effective fire strategies.

The key fire safety challenges include travel distances and evacuation. Large warehouses require well-planned escape routes that comply with UK regulations. Clearly marked exits, fire doors, and emergency lighting are essential for safe evacuation.

Challenges also include compartmentation. Fire-resistant barriers help contain fire outbreaks, preventing rapid spread and giving occupants more time to evacuate and also aid in business continuity. This is critical for warehouses storing hazardous or combustible materials.

High-racked storage and fire spread is another challenge. Tall racking systems can obstruct sprinklers, while flammable packaging materials increase fire load and ignition risks. Fire suppression systems must be carefully designed to address these challenges.

Limited fire hydrant access is another possible challenge. Warehouses in remote areas may have restricted access to hydrants, requiring alternative suppression methods like on-site water storage or foam-based systems.

The final challenge includes operational hazards, as forklifts, electrical equipment, and battery charging stations pose ignition risks. Fire zoning and strict safety protocols help mitigate these dangers.

A well-planned fire strategy addressing evacuation, compartmentation, and fire suppression is key to safeguarding warehouses and their occupants. In addition, regular maintenance, safety drills, and system testing are essential for long-term fire protection.

How can SOCOTEC Help?

SOCOTEC is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the planning, design and construction process. 

To discuss your needs with one of its experts, Email firesafety@socotec.co.uk or visit 
www.socotec.co.uk. Alternatively view the brochure Fire Engineering Services Brochure 2025.