Fire Strategy & Building Warrant Fire Safety Design Statements

Fire safety compliance can be complex, particularly where buildings are being designed, altered or managed within changing regulatory frameworks.

HESTIA provide specialist consultancy services to support organisations, property owners and design teams in meeting their fire safety obligations under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and Technical Handbooks.

Our advice is practical, proportionate and grounded in extensive experience of fire safety enforcement and fire assurance within the built environment.

Fire Safety Design

A fire safety design statement, sometimes referred to as a fire strategy, sets out the principles by which fire safety is achieved within a building. It establishes the measures, systems and management arrangements intended to prevent fire, detect it early, control its spread and protect occupants.

Fire safety design statements are commonly prepared to support Building Warrant applications under the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. They provide the design team and Building Standards with a clear explanation of how the proposed development satisfies the fire safety provisions of the Scottish Technical Handbooks.

Fire safety designs can be prepared for both domestic and non-domestic projects, ranging from individual dwellings and residential developments to commercial, industrial and public buildings.

HESTIA work closely with architects, developers and design teams to develop clear and proportionate fire strategies appropriate to the building type, occupancy profile and risk level.

A robust fire safety design will typically consider:

  • Means of escape and evacuation principles
  • Compartmentation and fire separation
  • Fire detection and alarm systems
  • Emergency lighting provision
  • Fire suppression measures where applicable
  • Fire service access and facilities
  • Fire safety management arrangements

The outcome is a structured document that supports the design development, Building Warrant approval process and long-term management of fire safety within the completed building.

Emergency Planning

We assist organisations in developing clear and effective fire emergency plans. These plans establish the procedures to be followed in the event of fire and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities. Typical elements include:

  • Liaison with emergency services
  • Evacuation procedures
  • Staff responsibilities and fire wardens
  • Communication arrangements

Emergency planning forms a key component of ongoing fire safety management and demonstrates proactive risk control.

Fire Safety compliance

Organisations often require independent advice when navigating fire safety legislation and regulatory expectations.

HESTIA provide professional guidance on compliance with:

This may include reviewing fire safety documentation, providing technical commentary on drawings or designs, and advising on management arrangements.

Our consultants bring over 28 years’ experience in the fire sector, including senior roles within Fire & Rescue Service enforcement and fire assurance within complex property portfolios.

This experience provides clients with practical, authoritative advice grounded in a detailed understanding of both regulatory expectations and operational fire safety management.

Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS)

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has changed their response model for Automatic Fire Alarm activations in order to reduce unnecessary emergency mobilisations. Under this approach, SFRS may not automatically attend premises where automatic fire alarms are received.

Excessive Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) can arise from a range of factors including:

  • Inappropriate detector selection or placement
  • Poorly maintained alarm systems
  • Environmental conditions
  • Inadequate alarm management procedures
  • Staff behaviour and training issues

HESTIA can provide independent advice to organisations experiencing persistent false alarms, including:

  • Review of alarm system suitability
  • Advice on alarm investigation procedures
  • Management arrangements for false alarms following the principles set out in BS5839-1:2025
  • Liaison with system maintainers where required

Reducing false alarms not only improves operational reliability but also helps ensure that emergency services remain available for genuine incidents.

Why choose HESTIA?

Experienced leadership
Our consultancy services draw upon extensive operational and enforcement experience within fire safety.

Practical, proportionate advice
We focus on solutions that are achievable, risk-based and aligned with legislative expectations.

Clear documentation
Where required, consultancy outputs support the maintenance of structured fire safety documentation and compliance records.

Ongoing support
We provide continued guidance to assist dutyholders in maintaining effective fire safety management over time.

If you require structured fire safety consultancy support, contact HESTIA to discuss your premises and determine the most appropriate strategy for your organisation.