The SCA is backing a new industry initiative promoting the development of a national fire strategy.

The Fire Sector Federation is calling for wider discussion to create a national fire safety strategy, which goes beyond current legislative proposals, to comprehensively address measures to mitigate fire risk in the UK.

The Federation has published a white paper, ‘Developing a National Strategy for Fire Safety’, setting out a possible pathway for the fire sector and government to work together to create a safer society from fire.

The paper seeks government support to ensure that fire remains a priority, to integrate policy across departments and devolved administrations, and to make full use of the technical expertise within the specialised fire sector to achieve success.

The Federation suggests three areas for immediate priority: raising competency; mitigating fire risk in modular and other buildings using mass timber; together with partnering the construction sector to raise awareness of fire risk from innovative new products and methodologies.

The proposals were developed by a new Fire Sector Federation Fire Safety Strategy Board, chaired by the Federation’s Policy and Strategy Lead, Jonathan O’Neill, with leadership expertise drawn from across a diverse range of sectors including, fire safety, fire and rescue, construction, insurance and building control.

Fire Sector Federation Chair, John Spencer, said: “While we have seen significant new legislation introduced in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is incumbent upon everyone in the built environment to avoid further complacency and address problems we know continue to exist and may evolve in future. Industry is well placed to understand these problems, and just as importantly, some of their solutions.

“Engaging positively and supportively with government, we believe a National Fire Strategy is the most effective way to achieve the shared aim of a fire safe society. Our desire is to have a road map to deliver an effective and resilient fire safety agenda aligned within a secure and sustainable environment and that requires collective actions in both industry and government.”

The white paper is available here: www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FSF-Developing-a-National-Fire-Strategy-for-Fire-Safety.pdf