The potential consequences of decisions regarding fire protection design, construction and management have been highlighted by recent fires in high-rise residential buildings in the UK, as well as the rest of the world. Insufficient consideration of fire safety management and protection provisions can have massive financial implications, and could lead to civil and/or criminal proceedings.
The Institution of Fire Engineers defines Fire Engineering as:
‘Fire Engineering is the application of scientific and engineering principles, rules [codes], and expert judgement, based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of the reaction and behaviour of people to fire, to protect people, property and the environment from the destructive effects of fire.’
Therefore, fire engineers have essential relevant skills, knowledge and experience of the application of ‘fire science’, fire protection provisions, operations and the associated regulations and guidance information. This allows fire engineers to understand, explain and interpret this aspect of the built environment, and relevant factors in these types of proceedings.
Our experts have experience in the design, construction and management of fire protection provisions in a variety of buildings, including high-rise residential. This allows them to understand the likely original design intentions of the fire safety provisions, including how various changes, such as new building work, refurbishment, extension, or a change in use might impact the original decisions.
In addition, invaluable experience gained from visiting buildings following real fire incidents also consolidates our experts’ understanding of fire behaviour, and assists in their assessment of the potential impacts of not only design and construction defects, but also poor management and maintenance.
Before a fire occurs, we are able to offer fire protection advice, including, but not limited to:
Following a fire, in addition to identifying the cause, our experts can also assist in a variety of other ways, including:
Our specialists can provide expert witness testimony if the case proceeds to Court.
Contact Sarah Hooton and/or James Clarke for more information, and with any enquiries you may have.
If you are seeking a career in forensic consultancy, email us at [email protected] and attach your CV together with a summary of your area of experise, experience, and what you can bring to the team.
Submitting this contact form will enter your details into our contacts database and we will reply to your request as soon as possible. We will also retain your details so we may contact you from time to time. You can ask us to remove your details at any time. For details, see our Privacy Notice.