The specialist skills required to conduct Tier 2 investigations are currently supported by the Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation. The latter is being updated, while a new vocational qualification is also in the pipeline.

The existing qualification is aimed at experienced fire investigation practitioners and is being reviewed in line with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Competency Framework for Fire Investigation and the NFCC’s Fire Investigation Code of Practice.

The new Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation provides a grounding in the specialism and is the basis for progression to the Level 5 Certificate, which reflects a greater level of competence.

Both Level 5 qualifications offer a progression route from the Level 2 Introduction to Fire Investigation, which provides learners with the knowledge and skills to carry out Tier 1 fire investigations.

The expert Working Group has concluded the initial design phase of the qualifications. That being so, a public consultation is now underway in order to gather stakeholder feedback and ensure the qualifications align with current operational requirements across the sector.

Greater flexibility

Darren Woodhams (Station Commander at the London Fire Brigade) commented: “The introduction of the Level 5 Award alongside the existing Level 5 Certificate provides greater flexibility for learners and employers. By offering qualifications that support different professional development needs, employers can build capability across their workforce in a way that directly reflects operational roles and responsibilities.”

Woodhams added: “Together, they provide complementary routes for professional development, thereby enabling practitioners to tailor their learning to their responsibilities and future career goals.”

David Higham, managing director at SFJ Awards, responded: “Professional qualifications have a vital role to play in maintaining standards, supporting workforce development and ensuring specialist expertise can be recognised and demonstrated consistently across the sector.”

Higham continued: “Through the review of the existing qualification and the development of a new vocational pathway, we want to create a suite of qualifications that supports learners at different stages of their careers, while also reflecting the realities of modern fire investigation practice.”

In conclusion, Higham noted: “This work is being shaped by the sector, for the sector, and will help to ensure fire investigators have access to relevant and high-quality learning and assessment opportunities for years to come.”

Operational demand

The review process comes at a time when Fire and Rescue Services are responding to significant operational demand. In England alone, Fire and Rescue Services attended more than 641,000 incidents in the year ending March 2026, including over 170,000 fires, while the volume of deliberate fires increased to more than 71,000.

By reviewing the existing qualification and introducing a new vocational route that recognises competence developed in the workplace, the project will help Fire and Rescue Services build and maintain the specialist expertise needed to investigate fires effectively, identify causes and support the wider protection of communities.

*Interested parties can view details of the stakeholder consultation process online at sfjawards.com/consultation-sfj-awards-level-5-fire-investigation-qualifications/#consultation

Specifically, BS 9996 Commissioning and Maintenance of Integrated Fire Safety Systems – Code of Practice, which was issued for public comment on 21 October, outlines recommendations for:

*planning and executing the commissioning of active and passive fire safety systems, including integrated systems testing and verification of whole‑building performance

*arrangements for the planned inspection, testing and maintenance of those systems throughout the building’s life

*the interactions of design, specification, commissioning, verification, inspection and maintenance of fire safety systems

*managing information and change so that the installed fire safety measures remain effective, co-ordinated and underpinned by a clear audit trail.

BS 9996 provides recommendations for a process through which fire safety systems that interact with each other can be jointly commissioned and maintained and the processes involved recorded and documented for the complete lifecycle of a given building.

This British Standard is intended to be used by clients, designers, fire engineers, installers, commissioning agents, verifiers, facilities managers, maintainers, ‘Accountable Persons’, duty holders, Building Control bodies and personnel operating within the Fire and Rescue Services.

The consultation period closes on 6 January 2027.

*Further information is available online at www.bsigroup.com

In addition to the £100,000 fine, the company has been ordered to pay £15,000 in costs following the discovery of fire safety breaches at a property in Barrow-in-Furness, where a tenant suffered life-threatening injuries in a fire that occurred on 1 June 2023.

Copperplane Ltd, the owner of the premises, has been fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs for failing to maintain the fire alarm and emergency lighting systems at the building.

Fire safety failings identified

Warren Spencer (managing director of Blackhurst Budd Solicitors), who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, told South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court that an inspection by the Fire and Rescue Service following the fire identified numerous fire safety breaches at the premises.

The doors to the flats did not provide 30 minutes’ worth of fire resistance and lacked self-closing devices, intumescent strips and smoke seals. In addition, they were fitted with two hinges rather than the required three.

There were no records demonstrating that the fire alarm and emergency lighting systems had been adequately maintained. Combustible wall cladding lined the hallway, which served as the main escape route, and there were no fire extinguishers present in the communal areas. The electrical intake units on the main escape route were not enclosed in fire-resistant material.

Spencer informed South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment would have alerted both the housing company and the landlord to deficiencies in the building’s fire precautions, but neither defendant had assessed the risks despite the premises being used to accommodate vulnerable residents.

Serious injuries, lasting consequences

In the wake of the fire, two men were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, while a third male was taken to Furness General Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Tenant Tony Shaw suffered burns to 39% of his face and body. Spencer told South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court that Shaw spent several weeks in intensive care on a ventilator and developed a number of infections. In fact, he remained in hospital for six months.

Shaw sustained significant permanent scarring including burns to his hands and arms. He now requires assistance from carers at home and has described the impact of the fire on his life as “devastating”.

Another visitor to the premises at the time of the fire was also airlifted to hospital with injuries.

Defending My Space Housing Solutions Ltd, Iain Simpkin KC told South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court that there had been a wholesale change in the management of the business since 2023. That change has led to a host of improvements, which will serve to best protect residents and others against any incident similar to the event that transpired.

Systemic failure

District Judge John McGarva said the breaches had exposed two tenants and their guests to significant risk. He described the management of the premises as falling far below the standard expected in the industry, which represented a systemic failure.

While acknowledging the important public service My Space Housing Solutions Ltd provided in helping to house homeless people, the Judge emphasised that fire safety breaches had very real consequences.

The Judge also said that Copperplane Ltd could not simply rely on assurances from My Space Housing Solutions Ltd: the landlord had failed to check for itself whether the premises complied with fire safety requirements.

*Further information is available online at www.firesafetylaw.co.uk

The Children’s Burns Trust supports children and young people who have suffered burns and scalds, as well as members of their families. This excellent charity funds rehabilitation and practical support and runs prevention campaigns designed to raise awareness of the causes of burns and scalds among children.

The courses were delivered by Mini First Aid and sponsored by the British Fire Consortium, itself a client of the fire and security marketing agency. All proceeds from the event were given to the charity, thereby meeting Infuse Marketing’s annual fundraising pledge for the organisation in its first few months as a Corporate Sponsor.

The First Aid courses covered how to respond to common childhood emergencies (including burns, head injuries and choking). The event also gave parents and carers in attendance the opportunity to learn practical skills they could use in an emergency situation.

Supporting the charity

Alongside fundraising for the charity, Infuse Marketing is using its business expertise to support the organisation’s work in preventing burns and scalds.

As part of this activity, the Infuse Marketing team has produced a series of videos covering burn prevention and sharing advice on keeping children safe. The videos have already received thousands of views on Instagram, helping to extend the reach of the charity’s prevention-centred messages.

Infuse Marketing has also introduced the Children’s Burns Trust to its clients, leading to further fundraising across the fire and security sectors. For example, Hillmoore Fire Protection has become a Corporate Sponsor of the charity and sponsored Burns Awareness Day, while Uptick raised funds for the charity through its annual football tournament held in September.

Natural fit

Jess Mann (pictured above, right), director at Infuse Marketing, informed Fire Safety Matters: “Fire safety is at the heart of many of our clients’ work. On that basis, supporting the Children’s Burns Trust was a natural fit for us. As a mother of three myself, I’m also acutely aware of how important it is for parents and carers alike to understand how to respond when a child is injured.”

Mann continued: “We wanted our first year of sponsorship to raise funds, while also helping people to develop the necessary practical skills. Raising more than £1,000 through our first event means that we’ve already met our annual pledge, which is fantastic. We’ll now continue to support the charity through fundraising and awareness activity over the coming year.”

*Further information is available online at www.infusemarketing.co.uk

The company failed to comply with an Improvement Notice issued by Birmingham City Council in May last year requesting the installation of a fire detection system across the site’s three tower blocks. The system was designed to provide residents with early warning in the event of any fire outbreak involving the external walls of the buildings.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court (pictured), Avamore Limited pleaded guilty for failing to comply with the Improvement Notice requiring a National Fire Chiefs Council Category L5 fire alarm system to be installed. During the hearing, District Judge David Wain was informed that the company had carried out the necessary fire safety work in two of the three tower blocks, but not at the third block.

Following sentencing on 16 October, a £360,000 fine was reduced to £240,000 due to the company’s early guilty plea. Avamore Limited was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of just over £9,000 and a victim surcharge totalling £2,000.

The prosecution is the latest step in Birmingham City Council’s ongoing work to make high-rise residential buildings safer for those who live in them. Dedicated specialist officers continue to investigate fire safety concerns across the city, with 26 further developments currently subject to enforcement action.

Clear message

Councillor Harris Khaliq, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet member for city services and digital, stated: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Residents should never be left worrying whether building owners are taking fire safety seriously or acting when risks are identified.”

Khaliq continued: “This case sends a clear message. If landlords, developers or building owners ignore legal notices designed to protect residents, Birmingham City Council will take action and hold them to account.”

Further, Khaliq observed: “For too long now, far too many people have felt powerless when serious issues affecting their safety were ignored. Our job at Birmingham City Council is to stand on the side of residents, not those who cut corners. That’s exactly what we are doing.”

In conclusion, Khaliq commented: “I want to thank our specialist officers for their determination and professionalism. They are leading on important work across the city to ensure that safety comes before profit and that those responsible for these buildings meet their obligations.”

*Further information is available online at www.birmingham.gov.uk

Mr Krishnan (a director of Walpole House Limited who also operated a separate sole trader business providing sleeping accommodation at the premises) was prosecuted in relation to his sole trader business. He was fined £1,480 and ordered to pay a £592 surcharge. Mr Kishnan also pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The prosecution followed an inspection that uncovered significant deficiencies in the fire safety arrangements at the premises. The seriousness of the failings led fire safety inspectors from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to serve a Prohibition Notice preventing the use of the premises for sleeping accommodation until the necessary remedial works had been completed.

The case came to light after a referral from the local authority.

Serious deficiencies

Fire safety inspectors visited the premises in August 2024 and identified a number of serious fire safety deficiencies. These included:

*the lack of a fire risk assessment

*the absence of an installed fire alarm system

*inadequate emergency lighting provision and a lack of regular maintenance of existing provisions

*incomplete fire doors throughout the premises

*inadequate evacuation procedures

*no firefighting equipment

These deficiencies raised significant concerns about the safety of those individuals sleeping at the premises, particularly so in terms of their ability to receive an adequate warning of a fire and to escape the premises on a safe basis.

As stated, Walpole House Limited and Mr Krishnan both pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The offences related to failures to meet legal requirements concerning:

*Article 8 – General fire precautions: Failure to take appropriate general fire precautions to ensure the safety of relevant persons

*Article 9 – Fire risk assessment: Failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of fire risks

*Article 11 – Fire safety arrangements: Failure to establish adequate arrangements to plan, organise, control, monitor and review fire safety measures

*Article 13 – Fire detection, warning and firefighting equipment: Failure to ensure the premises were equipped, to the appropriate extent, with suitable fire detection and alarm systems and appropriate firefighting equipment

*Article 14 – Emergency routes and exits: Failure to ensure adequate means of escape in the event of fire (including appropriate fire doors and emergency lighting)

*Article 15 – Fire safety procedures: Failure to establish, implement and communicate appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger

*Article 17 – Maintenance: Failure to ensure that fire safety measures were appropriately maintained and kept in efficient working order and good repair

Legal responsibility

Fire safety inspector Tony Hickey, who investigated the case on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire safety is not optional. Anyone providing sleeping accommodation has a legal responsibility to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place in order to protect the lives of those staying at their premises.”

Hickey continued: “The failures identified in this case are serious. The prosecution demonstrates that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will take enforcement action where and when those individuals and organisations responsible fail to meet their legal obligations. The consequences of inadequate fire safety can be devastating. Compliance must never be treated as an afterthought.”

Reinforcing the message, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will continue to take appropriate enforcement action where those responsible for premises fail to meet their fire safety obligations, in turn helping to protect the public from the risks posed by inadequate fire safety arrangements.

*Further information is available online at www.dsfire.gov.uk

The latest statistics issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, covering the year ending March 2026, confirm what many practitioners in the sector have been observing on the ground. The total number of fires attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England rose by 5.8% on the previous year to reach a figure of 641,227. Building fires also increased in the same period by 3.1%. While fire-related fatalities have decreased by 9.3% to 254, they are now 7.2% higher than five years ago.

These are not numbers to be explained away by a hot summer or a statistical anomaly. The underlying figures represent a genuine upward trend in primary fires that result in fatalities we must investigate when it comes to the human cost of fire. A growing trend in fire attendance time is also not a good indicator as we’ve long demonstrated a strong link between that and arresting the growth of fire in many building types.

Within the overall picture, the industrial fire story is particularly troubling. The underlying data points to two fatalities and 135 casualties across 1,806 industrial fires in the period under examination. The casualty figure has nearly doubled since the previous year and is now at a level we’ve not seen since 2018.

It’s a figure that should give any commercial building owner pause for thought. These are not the spectacular, headline-consuming warehouse infernos that occasionally make the national news, yet the data highlights that, for industrial premises, this past financial year has been one of the toughest on record for recorded casualties.

The data should generate a pause to consider whether there’s a change or a trend here that needs attention. Many of the fires fall into the range of what the sector might once have called ‘routine incidents’. The fires we documented earlier this year in Sutton Bonington, Bradford and Widnes involving industrial waste, rubber and recycling material drew little national attention precisely because there were no fatalities. However, each required resources from multiple counties, displaced operations and left environmental questions that communities continued to live with long after the fire crews departed.

Cost behind the figures

The financial cost of those casualties is impossible to calculate, but the scale of physical damage gives some indication. The statistics don’t directly publish an average damage figure for industrial premises, but the underlying data shows that average fire damage area has also risen during the period to 150 m².

Remember that’s across 1,806 fires, in turn meaning the total damage to industrial fires across the period would be equivalent to somewhere in the region of 40 football pitches in terms of area.

Coupled with the casualty figures, there’s a pause to consider the total impact. The true cost of an industrial fire is rarely captured in a single number. There’s the physical damage, the loss of stock, the disruption, the impact on supply chains, the clean-up costs, the regulatory scrutiny that follows and, in some cases, the loss of the business altogether.

These costs sit alongside the human toll. Taken together, they paint a picture that should be making commercial building owners consider the potential impact of a fire and perhaps policy-makers to consider the economic impact.

The question that follows from the statistics is the one that never seems to be asked loudly enough: ‘Why are the figures rising?’ Industrial fire risk has not fundamentally changed. Buildings are better understood, fire regulations exist and the Fire and Rescue Service is well-trained.

What has changed is the scale and complexity of these industrial premises, driven by the growth of e-commerce, the expansion of waste and recycling operations and the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries across logistics and manufacturing spaces. The types of fuels have changed as we’ve moved to the use of more plastics in general handling and containers.

These are new and compounding risks being introduced into a stock of buildings that was never considered to accommodate them and, in many cases, still lacks the most effective tool available to contain their consequences.

Credible tool exists

The statistics tell us the challenge is rising. Attendance time on-site increasing towards ten minutes is coupled with concerns from the Fire and Rescue Service around available water supplies. These are not positive signals. We know that they have an impact on effective and prompt intervention to control a fire.

One potential solution is proven and available. For industrial premises, we know that sprinkler systems have been proven to contain, control or extinguish fires in 99% of cases when activated. They’ve demonstrated their ability to protect people. That’s why they’re used to protect high-rise living spaces.

Any fire stopped in minutes doesn’t burn for ten days, doesn’t generate thousands of litres of contaminated run-off and doesn’t end careers or companies. The gap between the potential outcomes is a policy choice. It’s one that the industry and Government need to confront with far more urgency than the current figures would seem to suggest.

Tom Roche is Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance (www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org)

The new requirement will come into effect on 1 June next year and is designed to ensure that fire sprinkler installers maintain current knowledge, technical competence and awareness of relevant legislation and industry Best Practice throughout their careers.

Under the new requirements, experienced workers will no longer be able to renew their SKILLcard solely on the basis of existing qualifications and standard Health and Safety testing. Applicants will need to successfully complete a verified and industry approved refresher qualification together with a short accredited Continuing Professional Development programme before submitting their renewal application.

Primary aim

“Our primary aim is to ensure that every cardholder has access to up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and industry Best Practice,” explained Ruth Oliver (head of training at ABFSA). “Introducing a structured refresher programme provides a consistent approach to maintaining competence and supports the high standards expected across the fire sprinkler industry.”

Jill Nicholls, director of competence and compliance at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), stated: “Competence cannot simply be demonstrated once and then assumed. It needs to be maintained as standards, regulations and working practices evolve.”

Nicholls continued: “We’ve been pleased to work with BAFSA through SKILLcard to support this important change. It will help experienced fire sprinkler installers in keeping their knowledge current and provide a clear way for them to demonstrate ongoing competence and compliance, ultimately helping to strengthen standards across this critical sector.”

Transition framework

BAFSA and SKILLcard have jointly established a transition framework to give employers and installers sufficient time to understand and meet the new requirements before they become mandatory.

Importantly, a six-month notice period is being provided ahead of the new requirements coming into effect.

Installers whose cards expire after 1 June 2027 are encouraged to review the new renewal criteria as soon as possible and plan their training accordingly.

Prerequisites for refresher training

In order to enrol on the new refresher training, installers must:

*hold an appropriate foundational qualification, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation
*hold a current Health and Safety certificate that has been completed within the previous two years

The training required as part of the new renewal process is already available through the BAFSA e-Learning portal. The required programmes are:

*ABBE Level 2 Award: Application of Legislation and Regulations in Fire Sprinkler Installations

*Principles and Practices of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems CPD Programme

Both elements are required for the new renewal process.

*Further information is available online at www.bafsa.org.uk

As the independent regulator for the Building Control profession in England and Wales, the Building Safety Regulator is directly responsible for maintaining professional standards and public confidence in the profession.

For their part, disciplinary panels play an important role in considering cases where concerns have been raised about the conduct of registered building inspectors or registered Building Control approvers.

In order to support this work, the Building Safety Regulator is seeking applications from legally qualified professionals, registered building inspectors and experienced lay members to serve on its disciplinary panels.

Each three-person panel brings together legal, technical and independent perspectives to ensure decisions made as part of the disciplinary process are always robust, balanced and fair.

Panels consider cases referred to them and determine whether professional conduct requirements have been met and, where appropriate, whether any sanction should be imposed. Sanctions can include suspension or the cancellation of registrations.

About the roles

The Building Safety Regulator is currently recruiting for all three positions on these panels:

Legally qualified chairs and disciplinary officers

Each panel requires an authorised solicitor or barrister in England and Wales to chair disciplinary panels, provide legal advice and draft concise written decisions and orders.

These individuals will also act as disciplinary officers, assessing alleged misconduct cases on paper to determine if they require a panel hearing.

Registered building inspectors

The Building Safety Regulator is seeking practising front line professionals from the public and private sectors alike to provide crucial peer-led technical expertise.

Applicants must be registered building inspectors at Class 2 or above and regularly carry out restricted activities.

Lay members

Lay members bring an independent perspective and help to ensure that proceedings are fair, transparent and maintain public confidence.

Applicants should have experience of decision-making, governance, professional regulation, tribunal proceedings, investigations, complaints handling or similar fields. A background in Building Control is not required.

Depending on the specific role, panel members can expect a time commitment of eight-to-ten days per annum. Members will receive a daily remuneration rate along with reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses. Inductions and ongoing training will also be provided.

Fundamental to safety

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO at the Building Safety Regulator, said: “The integrity of the Building Control profession is fundamental to the new regulatory framework under the Building Safety Act 2022. This integrity is needed so that construction projects of all sizes and uses can meet strict safety, structural and environmental standards.”

Pugsley continued: “By bringing together strong legal minds, front line registered building inspectors and experienced lay members, our disciplinary panels will ensure that enforcement, if needed, is always fair, transparent and highly effective.”

In conclusion, Pugsley commented: “We urge dedicated professionals across these fields to apply and help shape the future of the profession. This will ensure essential safety standards can be upheld to protect anyone who lives, visits or works in buildings across England and Wales.”

For more information about the roles and how to apply (by the deadline of 11.59 pm on 15 November) visit Building Safety Regulator Disciplinary Panel Recruitment – Building Safety Regulator – Citizen Space

Read more about the panels operated by the Building Safety Regulator: 

*BSR Disciplinary Panels Recruitment - Making Buildings Safer

*Building Safety Regulator Disciplinary Panels – GOV.UK:

*Code of conduct for Disciplinary Panel Members 

*Conflict of Interest Policy for Disciplinary Panel Members 

*Disciplinary Panel Conduct and Complaints Procedure

The Felixstowe-based company’s range of fire-rated loft ladders and hatches includes basic timber loft ladders as well as heavy-duty commercial solutions that offer up to 120 minutes’ worth of fire protection.

In point of fact, the business (which also operates from a sales office located in Worcester) carefully selects the best loft and roof access products available from a range of European manufacturers to suit diverse performance criteria.

For example, Premier Loft Ladders offers a heavy-duty and fire-rated loft ladder that not only offers 30 minutes of fire protection, but is also Passive House certified. Further, many of the company’s fire-rated solutions can be made-to-measure with a range of different features and accessories (including operability from above, the addition of security locks and even fully automatic electric operation).

Products in Premier Loft Ladders’ range of fire-rated loft and roof access solutions (encompassing concertina loft ladders, vertical/wall access ladders and flat roof solutions) are manufactured to EN 14975 standards and have continued to expand during the 20-plus years that the company has been operating in the industry. So too has the level of in-house knowledge and experience on offer.

Architects, specifiers and other industry professionals are encouraged to contact Premier Loft Ladders and discuss their specific requirements during the early stages of any given project.

*Further information is available online at www.premierloftladders.co.uk