Given their height and dense occupation, the risks are significant when it comes to fire prevention and response strategies for high-rise buildings. With over 70% of fire-related fatalities in high-rise buildings being due to inadequate fire strategies, a carefully composed fire plan is a life-saving tool, not just a required box to tick. It is also essential to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005. In this High-Rise Building Fire Strategy guide, we’ll uncover the crucial components needed to develop an effective fire strategy, from bespoke considerations for high-rise buildings and risk assessments to advanced fire safety measures. 

Why is having a fire strategy in high-rise buildings essential? 

Due to their height, high occupancy, complex layouts, and limited escape routes, high-rise buildings pose significant fire safety challenges. These factors (and many more) can potentially cause devastating fire incidents. Fires in tall buildings can also quickly spread from floor to floor, especially if fire safety measures are inadequate. 

Comprehensive and well-crafted fire strategies address the unique risks posed by high-rise buildings by proactively identifying possible hazards and prioritising prevention and response systems, considering everything from construction materials to emergency response plans. Without a robust strategy, tragic events can occur, as seen in the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, where 72 people lost their lives due to insufficient fire protection systems. The resulting legislation within the Fire Safety Act 2021 has underscored the importance of a proactive approach to fire safety. It requires building owners, occupants, and managers to work together to create and sustain bespoke fire strategies that focus on the most critical areas of fire prevention. 

What are the critical components of a Building Fire Strategy?

Risk assessment 

The primary step in any fire strategy is to assess and understand the specific risks of the building in question. A fire risk assessment flags potential fire hazards within the building, which could be anything from the materials used in construction to any occupancy activities in the building that could lead to a fire. Common highlighted hazards come from flammable materials, faulty electrics and kitchens. If these things aren’t correctly maintained, they can pose a serious risk of a fire – which can go unnoticed until it’s too late. 

Tools include fire risk assessment checklists and the British Standards Institution’s PAS 79 framework, which offers a structured approach to evaluating fire risks. Building managers can assess the risks and categorise them by their severity and likelihood, and proactive measures can then be implemented to reduce the risks through improved maintenance practices, materials, or additional safety protocols.

Fire prevention measures 

Taking proactive preventative steps is essential for an effective fire strategy. Using fire-resistant materials in the design of the building, such as fire-rated doors, intumescent coatings, and fire-resistant glass, hugely reduces the risk of fires spreading up floors at pace. Regular maintenance of the electrical systems and high-risk hot spots in the building is equally vital. Regular inspections should identify potential issues, such as faulty wiring or blocked escape routes, and can prevent life-threatening issues. Technology is also a major player in fire prevention, with smart smoke detectors that provide real-time alerts to reduce response times and automatically notify building managers and fire services of an alert. 

Emergency response planning

Even if you implement all the fire prevention tools in the book, emergencies can still happen. A thorough and rehearsed emergency response plan is critical, especially due to the complexities of high-rise builds. The plan should include staggered evacuation procedures, use of refuge floors and clear communication routines. Staggered evacuations help to reduce bottlenecks, and refuge floors provide a safe space to wait if immediate evacuation isn’t possible. In emergencies, communication is key, and public address (PA) systems, integrated alarms and clear signage all help guide occupants to safety in disorientating environments. The tragic fire at King’s Cross in 1987 was exacerbated by poor communication, which has led to more precise and consistent communication strategies during emergencies to reduce confusion. Local emergency services conducting fire drills can greatly help streamline response efforts and flag any potential opportunities for improvement. 

Occupant training and drills

Training and drills are indispensable within any fire strategy. Everyone, including building managers, fire wardens and occupants, should know what to do in the event of a fire – this can mean the difference between an orderly evacuation and a life-threatening situation. Training programs should focus on evacuation routes, demonstrate how to use fire extinguishers, and include guidance on what to do if trapped. The drills should be conducted at least every 6 months, or more frequently in high-risk zones, and should highlight weaknesses in the evacuation plan that can be proactively fixed. At Canary Wharf, for example, regular drills involving thousands of employees are carried out to ensure occupants can leave quickly and efficiently. Fire kills, and safety benefits massively outweigh the inconvenience of momentary disruption caused by regular fire drills.

Compliance with building regulations

Compliance with regulations is not just a tick-box exercise – it saves lives. Strict regulations include the Building Regulations 2010 (part B) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. They cover everything from the materials used in buildings to the maintenance of safety systems in high-rise buildings. Building owners and managers must schedule regular audits, consult with fire safety experts, and regularly update their fire strategy in line with the law. Non-compliance can come with a hefty fine, potential criminal charges and reputational damage. But most importantly, non-compliance can compromise the health and safety of occupants. Keeping up to date with the latest regulations is vital.  

Advanced strategies for high-rise buildings

Advanced strategies go further than basic prevention and response measures. Including the most up-to-date technology and innovative materials can significantly improve safety systems. Emerging innovations such as IoT-based fire detection systems, smart sprinklers, and AI programs for fire prediction can all elevate a fire safety strategy in several ways. IoT-based systems can monitor fire risks in real-time, aiding predictions and preventing fires. Smart sprinklers adjust their settings depending on the intensity of the fire, and AI can analyse patterns and recommend proactive preventative maintenance. 

It’s also advisable to engage with fire engineers, safety consultants, and legal advisors who can review and build on your safety plan to check that it complies with the latest standards and enhance it further where needed. There should be a culture of continuous improvement within the building and the strategy as technology and new research evolve, as well as innovation in materials. For example, using green roofs with fire-resistant plants can help to prevent fires and have additional environmental benefits. 

Bringing it all together: Your Fire Safety Action Plan

Crafting a tailored fire strategy for your high-rise property forms a strong foundation for safeguarding lives and buildings. Buildings can better withstand fire emergencies by integrating regular risk assessments, prevention measures, emergency planning, and advanced technologies. Effective fire strategies save lives, and proactive planning is essential to ensure the safety of all occupants. 

Need expert advice on your fire safety strategy? Consult a professional today to review your existing strategy and improvement opportunities.