What is a Retrospective Fire Strategy?

A Retrospective Fire Strategy is an expert-led assessment that reviews and documents the fire safety measures of an existing building, particularly where original fire strategy documentation is missing, outdated, or non-compliant.

Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the building manages fire risk, both in relation to the standards applicable at the time of construction and in the context of current legislation and best practice.

This type of fire strategy is especially important for buildings constructed prior to modern regulations, repurposed or refurbished structures, or where records have been lost over time.

As regulatory scrutiny increases in the wake of tragic events like the Grenfell Tower fire, building owners, property managers, and duty holders must demonstrate a proactive approach to fire safety compliance.

A Retrospective Fire Strategy provides the evidence-based foundation they need.

Why Are Retrospective Fire Strategies Important?

Many existing buildings lack clear or compliant fire strategy documentation. This may be due to:

Age (pre-dating modern Building Regulations)

Redevelopment or change of use without updated fire safety planning

Incomplete handover information following design and build procurement

Lost or inadequate records from previous ownership

The Retrospective Fire Strategy fills that gap by providing a structured appraisal of the building’s fire precautions and safety arrangements. It offers a formal record of how the building is intended to perform in the event of fire, taking into account the current layout, occupancy, construction materials, and passive and active fire protection measures.

Without it, owners and managers face significant risk exposure - not only in terms of life safety and property damage, but also legal non-compliance and reputational harm.

Key Objectives of a Retrospective Fire Strategy

A Retrospective Fire Strategy aims to:

Establish how the building’s fire precautions align with historic and current standards

Identify any gaps or deficiencies in passive or active fire protection

Recommend risk mitigation measures to address non-compliance or improve safety

Support compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022, and guidance such as PAS9980

Provide clear documentation for use in management, occupation, refurbishment or future sale

In essence, it allows building owners and duty holders to take control of their fire safety obligations with a documented, defensible position.

When Do You Need a Retrospective Fire Strategy?

A Retrospective Fire Strategy is typically required in the following scenarios:

1. Older Buildings Without Fire Strategy Documentation

Buildings constructed prior to the widespread use of fire strategies (pre-1980s or even pre-2000s) may lack formal design intent documentation. A retrospective strategy fills this gap.

2. Post-Refurbishment or Change of Use

Significant alterations to layout or occupancy may render earlier fire strategies void. For example, converting an office into residential flats introduces new fire safety risks.

3. Mixed-Use or Complex Buildings

Multi-use buildings with residential, commercial, and public spaces often require a retrospective fire strategy to understand how the compartments interact and what procedures apply to each user group.

4. Portfolio Reviews

Institutional landlords, housing associations, or commercial real estate investors may commission retrospective strategies across their portfolios as part of their due diligence or fire risk management planning.

5. Missing or Lost Information

During mergers, acquisitions, or poor handover, original fire strategy documentation may be unavailable. A retrospective approach ensures continuity of compliance.

What Does a Retrospective Fire Strategy Include?

A professionally produced Retrospective Fire Strategy typically includes the following elements:

Building Description - Overview of use, layout, age, materials, and alterations

Fire Safety Philosophy - Stay put, simultaneous or phased evacuation

Means of Escape - Routes, travel distances, widths, lighting, and signage

Compartmentation and Fire Separation - Walls, floors, cavity barriers, and fire stopping

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems - Type, extent, and compliance with BS 5839

Firefighting Provisions - Dry risers, sprinklers, fire shafts, and equipment

Structural Fire Resistance - Load-bearing elements and integrity ratings

Smoke Control and Ventilation - Mechanical or natural ventilation systems

Management Procedures - PEEPs, maintenance, drills, and responsibilities

Recommendations - Prioritised remedial actions based on risk

Legal and Regulatory Context

A Retrospective Fire Strategy supports compliance with multiple layers of legislation and guidance in the UK:

1. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

2. Fire Safety Act 2021

3. Building Safety Act 2022

4. PAS9980

5. Approved Document B

Failure to provide or act on a fire strategy may result in enforcement action by the fire authority or Building Safety Regulator, especially in higher-risk residential buildings.

Who Prepares a Retrospective Fire Strategy?

Only suitably qualified and competent professionals should prepare a Retrospective Fire Strategy. Typically, this includes:

Chartered Fire Engineers (CEng MIFireE)

Fire risk assessors experienced in complex or high-risk buildings

Fire safety consultants with a background in building regulations and passive fire protection

Anstey Horne specialises in delivering fire strategies for commercial, residential, historic, and mixed-use buildings. We provide fully compliant and actionable documents for managing agents, architects, and property owners.

Benefits of a Retrospective Fire Strategy

1. Compliance – Meets legal duties and reduces regulatory risk

2. Clarity – Establishes clear documentation of fire safety intent

3. Improved Safety – Identifies and resolves key risks

4. Support for Refurbishment or Sale – Demonstrates due diligence

5. Enhanced Maintenance Planning – Supports investment decisions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a Retrospective Fire Strategy legally required?

There is no specific legal requirement for a Retrospective Fire Strategy, but fire safety law requires a Responsible Person to ensure safety. If you lack documentation, this is the best way to demonstrate compliance.

Q2: Does this replace a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?

No. The Retrospective Fire Strategy complements a Fire Risk Assessment. The FRA addresses risk; the strategy provides technical grounding and design intent.

Q3: How long does it take to produce?

Depending on building complexity and document availability, it typically takes 2 to 8 weeks.

Q4: Do I need this for a residential block?

Yes, especially for high-rise buildings, those with cladding, or lacking adequate records. It supports compliance with the Building Safety Act and PAS 9980.

Q5: Will I need intrusive surveys?

Not always. Many strategies are based on desktop studies and visual inspections. Intrusive surveys may be needed to verify compartmentation or structure.

Q6: Can it support a PAS 9980 assessment?

Yes. A Retrospective Fire Strategy often forms the baseline for assessing external wall risks under PAS9980.

Next Steps

If you're unsure whether your building has an adequate fire strategy, or you’re managing a portfolio of older or mixed-use properties, a Retrospective Fire Strategy is a vital starting point. It gives you clarity, ensures compliance, and protects both people and property.

Anstey Horne specialises in delivering fire strategies tailored to real-world use and current risk levels. To speak with one of our fire consultants or request a quote, get in touch today.

Need help with a Retrospective Fire Strategy?

Anstey Horne’s expert fire risk consultants and chartered surveyors are here to help. We deliver independent, proportionate fire strategies you can trust – across residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

We provide specialist assessment and mitigation advice on buildings that fail to meet the required safety standards.

To commission a retrospective fire strategy please call 020 4534 3130.

For further information on Retrospective Fire Strategies please fill in our contact form and we will be in touch.

For further information on all aspects of this service see the collection of articles in our blog.

To commission a Retrospective Fire Strategy please call 020 4534 3130.

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