Fire Strategy Reports

Retrospective Fire Strategy

Retrospective fire strategy reports for existing buildings, produced for BSR registration, building safety cases, and fire safety reviews. Assessed against the standards applicable at the time of original construction.

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4,000+ projects delivered

7 to 14 working day turnaround

Chartered engineers, up to £5M PI

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We respond to all enquiries within 1 to 2 working days.

Get a Quote 020 3797 3053

Turnaround7 to 14 working days

Response time1 to 2 working days

CoverageLondon & UK wide

PI insuranceUp to £5M

What Is a Retrospective Fire Strategy?

A fire strategy for a building that never had one, or where the original is no longer complete

A retrospective fire strategy documents the as-built fire safety provisions of an existing building: means of escape, compartmentation, structural fire protection, detection and warning systems, and firefighting access. It is produced where no fire strategy was created at the time of construction, or where the existing document is incomplete, superseded, or does not reflect the building as it stands today.

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, accountable persons for higher-risk buildings must register with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and maintain a current building safety case. A retrospective fire strategy is frequently the foundation of that safety case, providing the documented fire safety rationale for the structure.

Retrospective fire strategies are assessed primarily against the standards that applied when the building was constructed, which may include earlier versions of Approved Document B, BS 5588, or other codes of the period. Current guidance such as BS 9991 and BS 9999 is referenced where relevant.

When Is It Required?

Five situations that require a retrospective fire strategy

Retrospective fire strategies arise at different points in a building's lifecycle, often triggered by regulatory change or transaction activity.

BSR registration for higher-risk buildingsBuildings of at least 18 metres or seven storeys with two or more residential dwellings must be registered with the BSR. A retrospective fire strategy is typically required as part of this submission.

Building safety case preparationThe building safety case report must demonstrate a building is safe to occupy. A retrospective fire strategy is the core document underpinning that case for buildings without a current strategy.

Fire safety review or auditWhere a fire safety review identifies that no fire strategy exists, or that the existing one is materially incomplete or out of date, a retrospective strategy is required.

Refurbishment or change of useAny significant refurbishment or change of use will require an updated fire strategy. If no baseline strategy exists, a retrospective document must be produced first.

Property transaction or leasehold disputePurchasers, lenders, and leaseholders increasingly require evidence of the fire safety design rationale as part of due diligence on existing buildings.

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Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a retrospective fire strategy?

A retrospective fire strategy is a fire strategy report produced for an existing building that was constructed without one, or where the existing fire strategy is incomplete or no longer reflects the building as built. It documents the as-built fire safety provisions and is assessed against the standards that applied when the building was originally constructed, with consideration of current guidance where relevant.

When is a retrospective fire strategy required?

A retrospective fire strategy is typically required when an existing building is being registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) under the Building Safety Act 2022; when a building safety case is being prepared; when a fire safety review identifies that no fire strategy exists or that the existing one is materially incomplete; or when a refurbishment, change of use, or sale process requires evidence of the fire safety design rationale.

What standards are used to assess a retrospective fire strategy?

A retrospective fire strategy is assessed primarily against the standards and guidance that were in force when the building was constructed. This may include earlier versions of Approved Document B, BS 5588, or other applicable codes. Current guidance such as BS 9999 and BS 9991 is referenced where relevant, particularly where improvements or deficiencies are identified.

How long does a retrospective fire strategy take to produce?

Most retrospective fire strategies are delivered within 7 to 14 working days of receiving the required information. Complex or large buildings, or those with incomplete as-built records, may require a longer programme. We confirm turnaround at the time of instruction.

What information is needed to produce a retrospective fire strategy?

We typically need as-built architectural drawings or the best available record drawings, details of the building use and current occupancy, any existing fire safety records or assessments, and information about the structural frame and facade construction. Where records are incomplete we can advise on the most proportionate approach.

Are retrospective fire strategies accepted by the Building Safety Regulator?

Yes. Fire Safety Services is a chartered independent practice. Our retrospective fire strategies are produced by chartered engineers with IFE membership and are accepted by the Building Safety Regulator, building control bodies, and responsible persons under the RRO 2005.

Retrospective Fire Strategy

A fire strategy for a building that never had one, or where the original is no longer complete

Five situations that require a retrospective fire strategy

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Discuss your retrospective fire strategy requirement

Frequently asked questions