What does a fire consultant do?

A fire consultant plays a vital role in ensuring buildings and developments comply with the UK’s strict fire safety standards, from escape routes and detection systems to suitable compartmentation to keep people safe. They are trained to understand and control fire risk in a variety of buildings. 

Depending on a client’s needs, our team of qualified fire safety consultants can review plans and drawings to be submitted to planning authorities for approval, working with architects, planners and the building’s owner to develop strategies that mitigate fire risk.  

We ensure the drawings comply with building regulations, which provide official guidance on fire safety for premises, including Approved Document B, BS 9999 or BS 9991. 

Our fire consultants can draw up detailed fire strategy documents and provide technical support throughout the build process, primarily through desk-based assessments and reviews. While site visits are carried out when necessary to verify compliance, our approach focuses on maximising efficiency through remote audits, documentation checks, and close collaboration with design teams and contractors. 

The premises could be a new build or an existing building – its ‘responsible person’ needs to know that any previous or historical works have been completed in full compliance. The benefits of this approach, from planning to completion, mean that owners have the peace of mind knowing their property complies with fire regulations and will keep its occupants safe – and minimise costly damage – in the event of a fire. 

What is fire consultancy? 

Fire consultancy involves the provision of expert advice and strategic planning to reduce fire risk and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory fire safety standards. 

A core aspect of fire consultancy is the development of a comprehensive fire strategy document. This details how a building will respond to fire, outlining escape routes, detection and suppression systems and the use of fire-resistant materials in components such as fire doors.  

Fire consultants are skilled at identifying potential hazards and recommending practical improvements, many of which our specialists are able to implement directly. Their knowledge is particularly valuable in identifying potential fire risks early in the design or refurbishment process, ensuring that safety measures are tailored to a building’s specific use and occupancy – not only meeting legal obligations but also prioritising the safety of those living or working in the premises. 

Our experts will assess the building’s compartmentation – the subdivision of the structure into separate fire-resistant sections using fire-resistant materials. These are designed to contain fire and smoke within defined areas for a specific period, typically 30 or 60 minutes. 

Effective compartmentation helps protect escape routes by preventing the spread of fire, heat and smoke – giving occupants valuable time to evacuate safely. These critical fire safety features must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they continue to perform as intended, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. 

What are the benefits of having a fire safety consultant? 

Legal compliance

Reducing fire risk, ensuring legal compliance, and designing effective fire safety strategies are the foundation of a fire consultant’s role. 

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK introduced sweeping reforms in fire safety law. The Building Safety Act 2022 established a stricter regulatory framework – especially for buildings more than 18 metres or seven storeys—and reinforced accountability for building owners, duty holders, and the wider construction industry. 

Staying compliant with these evolving regulations is essential. Our consultants help you navigate this landscape with confidence – get in touch to ensure your property meets all current fire safety requirements. 

Cost savings and efficiency  

Effective fire risk management not only protects lives – it can also reduce your insurance premiums. 

We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments and develop fire strategies that help you demonstrate compliance, avoid enforcement actions and reduce the risk of costly fines or business disruption. 

By identifying and resolving fire safety issues early, our approach improves emergency response planning, staff training and business continuity. 

Improve safety for staff and visitors  

A well-structured fire strategy doesn’t just satisfy regulations – it actively protects everyone on site. From clearly defined escape routes to compartmentation, fire doors and suppression systems, each component plays a critical role in life safety. 

Our services include fire door installation, fire door surveys and fire damper testing to ensure these essential systems are fully functional and maintained to the required standard. These passive fire protection measures help contain fire and smoke, giving people more time to evacuate safely and reducing damage to the building. 

Improve your fire safety with Fire Consultancy Specialists    

At Fire Consultancy Specialists, we provide practical, tailored advice to help your business safeguard people and property, maintain legal compliance, and reduce the financial risks associated with fire. 

We understand that every building has its own fire safety challenges. Our experience spans a wide range of sectors – from hospitals and care homes to schools, warehouses, student accommodation and low and high-rise developments. Many of these premises involve complex compartmentation, multiple fire doors and critical evacuation routes that require a structured, site-specific approach. 

Our experts can help you stay fully compliant with current fire safety regulations and ensure your building remains safe and operational in the event of an emergency.  

Contact us today to find out how we can support your fire safety needs.