Tailored fire strategy stands as one of the most critical tools for ensuring both compliance and safety in any UK building. In an era where fire risks remain unpredictable and regulations continue to evolve, particularly with updates to Approved Document B and new evacuation requirements in 2026 a well-crafted, building-specific plan integrates all fire safety elements seamlessly. This not only safeguards lives and property but also provides peace of mind for business owners, managers and occupants alike.
At AL23 Safety, we specialise in developing tailored fire strategy documents that address the unique characteristics of each premises, from construction details to operational use. Whether you’re managing a commercial space, hospitality venue or residential block, investing in a bespoke approach is no longer optional, it’s essential for meeting stringent UK standards.
What Is a Tailored Fire Strategy?
A tailored fire strategy is a comprehensive, customised document that serves as the master blueprint for fire safety within a specific building. Unlike generic guidance, it reviews and harmonises every aspect of fire protection, including physical features like compartmentation, means of escape, detection systems and management procedures. This ensures the building remains safe for its intended purpose, whether that’s daily office use, high-occupancy events or residential living.
The strategy goes beyond basic compliance by considering the building’s layout, occupancy levels, materials and potential hazards. For complex or non-standard buildings, it often incorporates flexible approaches from BS 9999 or fire-engineered solutions, allowing deviations from prescriptive rules in Approved Document B while still achieving equivalent or superior safety outcomes.
The Legal Framework for Fire Strategies in the UK
In the UK, fire safety obligations stem primarily from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated Approved Documents. For new builds and major alterations, Building Regulations (particularly Part B: Fire Safety) require demonstrable compliance, often supported by a detailed fire strategy.
Guidance in Approved Document B provides prescriptive measures but for many modern or complex structures, tailored fire strategy documents draw on BS 9999: Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings. This risk-based standard offers greater flexibility, enabling compensatory features like enhanced detection or sprinklers to offset extended travel distances or larger compartments.
Recent developments, including 2026 amendments to Approved Document B (such as expanded sprinkler requirements and shifts to European standards), alongside the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 coming into force in April 2026, emphasise the need for up-to-date, bespoke plans especially in higher-risk residential buildings requiring Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and building-wide evacuation strategies.
Failure to maintain an effective tailored fire strategy can lead to non-compliance, enforcement actions or tragic consequences in the event of a fire.
Key Components of an Effective Tailored Fire Strategy
Creating a robust tailored fire strategy involves several interconnected elements:
- Fire Risk Assessment Integration The foundation of any strategy is a thorough fire risk assessment that identifies hazards, evaluates who could be harmed and recommends controls. This informs the overall approach and ensures ongoing relevance.
- Means of Escape and Evacuation Procedures Clear, accessible escape routes, signage and procedures are detailed, including phased or simultaneous evacuation strategies. For vulnerable occupants, provisions like refuge areas and PEEPs (increasingly mandatory in 2026) are incorporated.
- Fire Detection, Warning and Suppression Systems Specifications for alarms, detectors, sprinklers and suppression systems are outlined, with maintenance schedules to guarantee reliability.
- Compartmentation and Structural Fire Protection Details on fire-resistant walls, doors, floors and ducts prevent spread, maintaining safe zones during an incident.
- Fire Safety Management and Training Responsibilities are assigned, staff training programmes defined and regular drills planned to foster a strong safety culture.
- Access for Emergency Services and Refuge Points Strategies ensure firefighters can access the building efficiently, with dedicated refuge areas for those unable to evacuate unaided.
- Ongoing Review and Maintenance Provisions for regular testing, updates following changes in use or regulations and record-keeping form the “golden thread” of safety information.
These components combine to create a holistic, tailored fire strategy that adapts to the building’s specific needs.
Real-World Benefits: A Hospitality Sector Example
Consider a recent project where AL23 Safety supported a hospitality client with high-risk kitchen operations and large guest numbers. Standard guidance fell short due to extended travel distances and complex layouts. Our team developed a tailored fire strategy using BS 9999 principles, incorporating enhanced automatic detection, additional suppression in high-hazard areas and optimised evacuation routes. The result? Full compliance, reduced risk and enhanced operational confidence proving that bespoke solutions deliver tangible safety and business advantages.
Why Prioritise a Tailored Fire Strategy in 2026 and Beyond
As regulations tighten with mandatory PEEPs, updated Approved Document B provisions and greater emphasis on accountability under the Building Safety Act, a generic approach simply won’t suffice. A tailored fire strategy not only ensures legal compliance but actively protects lives, minimises downtime and safeguards your reputation.
At AL23 Safety, our experts deliver personalised, high-quality fire strategies that align with the latest requirements. We assess your premises thoroughly, recommend practical solutions and provide ongoing support to keep your plan current.
Don’t leave safety to chance. Contact AL23 Safety today to discuss how a tailored fire strategy can transform your building’s protection. Visit our services page for more details and take the first step towards unbreakable compliance and true peace of mind.
