Design Approvals & Technical Evidence
Fire Strategy
A fire strategy is a structured document that explains how a building is designed, constructed and operated to achieve an appropriate level of fire safety.
OFR develops comprehensive, evidence-based fire strategies across a wide range of sectors, from early concept design through to completion.
We operate as part of the design team, helping to develop bespoke and efficient fire strategies that are coordinated with the architectural, structural and building services design. Our early involvement allows fire safety principles to be embedded into the design rather than added retrospectively.
Our fire strategy work is informed by practical delivery experience. We consider how strategic decisions will be implemented during design development, construction, handover and occupation, helping clients reduce design risk and avoid late-stage coordination issues.
Fire strategy development from RIBA Stage 1 to completion
Smoke movement and smoke control analysis (e.g. CFD analysis, zone modelling, stack effect analysis for tall buildings etc)
Fire engineered solutions to BS 7974
Means of escape strategy
Internal fire spread and compartmentation strategy
External fire spread strategy
Firefighting access and facilities strategy
Gateway 1 Fire Statements
Gateway 2 support
Gateway 3 support
Fire strategy support through design development, tender and construction
Third-Party Peer Review
Fire safety strategies and supporting design information are often relied upon by clients, contractors, investors, insurers, approval bodies and building operators when making important decisions about risk, compliance and delivery.
Independent peer review provides additional assurance that the fire safety approach is robust, proportionate and appropriate for the building, its use and its complexity.
OFR provides independent third-party peer review services to support client and contractor due diligence, design development, technical assurance and the approvals process. Our reviews are undertaken by experienced fire engineers who understand both the technical basis of fire safety design and the practical realities of design coordination, construction and regulatory engagement.
Our approach is clear, constructive and proportionate. We review the fire strategy, supporting assumptions, analysis and design information to identify key risks, gaps, departures from guidance or areas requiring further justification. Where issues are identified, we provide practical recommendations to help the project team resolve them efficiently.
Third-party peer review can be particularly valuable where a project involves complex design features, fire engineered solutions, higher-risk buildings, novel construction methods, remediation works, or where additional confidence is required before submission to approving authorities or progression to the next project stage.
Independent fire strategy peer review
Due diligence reviews for clients, developers, funders and contractors
Review of fire engineered solutions and supporting analysis
Review of departures from guidance and alternative design approaches
Technical assurance reviews during design and construction
Review of fire safety information for acquisition, funding or appointment decisions
Peer review of existing building fire strategies and remediation proposals
Constructive challenge to support approvals and reduce delivery risk
Advanced Fire Engineering Analysis
Some buildings and fire safety challenges cannot be addressed through standard guidance alone.
Where a project involves complexity, innovation, unusual constraints or departures from guidance, OFR provides analytical support to help clients and design teams understand fire risk, test design options and develop a suitable evidence base.
Our approach is proportionate and evidence-based. We select the right level of analysis for the question being asked, from first-principles calculations and comparative assessments through to advanced computational modelling. We define assumptions, limitations and sensitivities clearly so that outputs can be understood, challenged and relied upon by clients, design teams, approval bodies and other stakeholders.
Our analysis work supports the development of efficient fire strategies, helps resolve design challenges, and provides technical evidence where a deeper understanding of fire behaviour, smoke movement, evacuation performance or heat transfer is required.
Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling
Evacuation and people movement analysis
Tenability assessments
Fire dynamics and design fire development
Heat transfer, radiation and flame spread assessments
Structural fire engineering support
Sensitivity studies and option appraisals
Fire engineering calculations to support alternative design approaches
Technical evidence reports for approval and peer review