THERE’S A persistent assumption held by some commentators in the construction sector that a construction product’s individual fire classification will determine how safe a building is going to be. It doesn’t, asserts Simon Storer. New and independent testing conducted on flat roofs beneath rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems shows exactly why.

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THE NEW 16-page report produced by BAFE, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) reveals that organisations across the UK are struggling to verify the competence of fire safety solution providers, despite growing awareness of their legal responsibilities. In an exclusive Q&A for Fire Safety Matters, Dr Justin Maltby-Smith (CEO of BAFE Holdings), Richard Fogelman (CEO at the NSI) and Martin Watson (interim CEO for the FIA) explain in detail why the sector is calling for Government action and how industry can assist in delivering the solution.

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PUPILS AND teachers returned to school last month, writes the Business Sprinkler Alliance, but a cluster of fire incidents over the summer has left some of them facing an uncertain and disrupted start to the new academic year. A stark reminder, then, that the consequences of a school fire extend far beyond the building itself.

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THE DEVASTATING fire that took hold at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in November 2023 is back in the news again, writes Tom Roche, this time for the official opening of the Lancashire cheesemaker’s gleaming new cheesemaking campus complete with a visit from King Charles III.

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MAJOR BUILDING failures rarely result from a single mistake, writes CROSS-UK. More often, they arise from a chain of assumptions, omissions and misunderstandings that accumulate over time. One professional assumes another has addressed an issue, responsibilities become blurred and critical information fails to reach the right people.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S Day 2026, which is observed on 8 March, is a moment to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women, while reflecting on the progress still to be made. In the fire and life safety domain, writes the Fire Industry Association (FIA), that reflection carries particular significance.

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AS 2025 draws to a close, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) can reflect on a remarkable 12 months, writes Steve Hamm. The organisation has worked tirelessly to support and shape the evolving fire safety landscape through key initiatives, strategic partnerships and the continued dedication of its members and volunteers worldwide.

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2025 HAS been a transformative year for the Fire Industry Association (FIA), writes Helen Whittington, marked by a strengthened international footprint and a renewed commitment to sharing UK expertise across the global fire safety community.

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FIRE RISK assessments are a legal requirement and a vital safety tool underpinning all commercial buildings in the UK. They serve to protect people, property and business operations. Here, Anthony Walker sets out the requirements for, the procedures surrounding and also the significance of conducting fire risk assessments.

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FIRE SAFETY is a critical aspect of any building’s design and ongoing management, writes Paul Smith. While active fire protection systems such as sprinklers, alarms and extinguishers are well known, passive fire protection is equally vital in mitigating the risks associated with fire.

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PASSIVE FIRE protection relies on the effective compartmentation of a given building, writes Alec Purdie. It’s made up of fire doors, walls and floors and works alongside active systems such as sprinklers and fire alarms.

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2024, STATES Philip White, marked the shift from groundwork to meaningful action. There has been a demonstration of what’s possible when unity develops behind a shared goal, but that’s just the beginning. The long-term journey is all about building and managing a safer and more accountable built environment for everyone.

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IN ORDER to achieve the United Nations’ stated goal of ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions by 2040, significant changes must be made, and particularly so in the construction sector. As the global population continues to grow, streamlining the construction industry becomes increasingly essential, emphasising the need to adopt more sustainable practices, as Ramtech Electronics reports.

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CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL Development (CPD) is essential for fire safety and HVAC engineers such that they can stay ahead in what is now a rapidly evolving industry, particularly so in view of the increasing demands exerted by the Building Safety Act 2022. Here, SMAY Ventilation Systems’ David Fitzpatrick examines the importance of CPD in fire safety and HVAC system design.

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THE SEVENTH anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire occurred on 14 June. In the time since that tragedy, we’ve focused on themes including the importance of responsibility and cultural change within the construction industry. While challenges remain within the built environment, many positive changes are taking place. Here, Craig Wells highlights the improvements being made.

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LATE LAST year, London Build Expo ran at London’s Olympia. As part of the conference programme for The Fire Safety Stage, a Quelfire-sponsored panel discussion involving selected professionals took place on 16 November from 11.00 am-11.50 am. The core subject up for debate? Standardising processes when it comes to firestopping. Fire Safety Matters reports on the key points that emerged.

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SELECTING AND then installing the correct passive fire protection system can be confusing given that there’s a range of application requirements and legislation in place, not to mention a host of products from which to choose. Here, Ken Francis addresses some of the most frequent questions posed by customers to members of the technical team at Promat.

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THE FIRE at the Beechmere Retirement Village in Crewe was one of the biggest incidents attended by the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, writes Tom Roche. Occupied by elderly people, many of whom needed assistance, the facility was located in an unsprinklered building that was vulnerable to fire damage.

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2024 WILL witness a period of significant change for the construction industry as a whole, with a particularly keen focus placed on fire safety issues (including the provision of passive fire protection). Here, Christophe Bind looks ahead to what’s in store in the New Year.

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ARE YOU familiar with instances where firestopping installations may not have been entirely compliant? Maybe a fire collar was not mechanically fixed, a wrap was used in an oversized hole or PU foam was employed to seal around services? If so, the benefit of the doubt is yours. You were working to the best of your knowledge at the time. Indeed, acknowledging how you’ve worked in the past is the first step towards improvement, asserts Darryl Wells.

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