Retrospective Fire Strategies

A retrospective fire strategy is a comprehensive document that records the fire safety design philosophy and provisions of an existing building. Where original fire strategy documentation was never produced, has been lost, or does not reflect the building as currently constructed and occupied, a retrospective fire strategy fills that gap.

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the requirement to hold and maintain fire safety information — including fire strategy documentation — has become a regulatory obligation for higher-risk buildings. For many existing buildings, this means creating fire strategy documentation for the first time.

• No original fire strategy exists for the building
• Existing documentation does not reflect the building as currently constructed or occupied
• Required to support a Building Safety Case Report under BSA 2022
• Regulatory or enforcement action has identified a gap in fire safety information
• As part of a comprehensive fire safety management programme

• BS 9999:2017 — Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings
• Building Safety Act 2022 — Fire safety information requirements
• Approved Document B — Fire safety (Building Regulations)

A complete fire strategy document covering: the building description and construction, means of escape design and capacity, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire suppression (where present), compartmentation and passive fire protection, external wall construction, fire service access and facilities, and fire safety management arrangements. Delivered as a bound report with drawings, schedules, and supporting technical appendices.

What is a retrospective fire strategy?

A retrospective fire strategy is a comprehensive fire safety document produced for an existing building where the original fire strategy from the design and construction phase is unavailable, incomplete, or no longer reflects the building’s current condition and use. It establishes the fire safety principles, means of escape provisions, fire detection and alarm strategy, compartmentation requirements, and active fire protection measures that apply to the building as it stands today. Apex prepares retrospective fire strategies to BS 9999:2017.

When is a retrospective fire strategy needed?

A retrospective fire strategy is typically needed when the original design fire strategy cannot be located, when significant alterations have been made to the building since construction, when the building’s use has changed, or when the Building Safety Act 2022 requires the accountable person to hold and maintain a fire safety information package for higher-risk buildings. Many housing associations and local authorities are commissioning retrospective fire strategies across their portfolios to meet these obligations.

What is the difference between BS 9999 and BS 9991?

BS 9999:2017 covers fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings generally, while BS 9991:2024 applies specifically to residential buildings. The choice of standard depends on the building type and use. For residential blocks of flats, BS 9991 is the primary reference, while BS 9999 is used for non-residential and mixed-use buildings. Apex selects the appropriate standard for each instruction and clearly references the applicable guidance throughout the fire strategy.

What does a retrospective fire strategy contain?

A retrospective fire strategy typically covers the building’s fire safety design principles, means of escape analysis, compartmentation and fire separation provisions, fire detection and alarm arrangements, emergency lighting, signage, ventilation and smoke control, firefighting access, and management procedures. It provides a consolidated reference document that enables the responsible person to understand the fire safety provisions in place and manage them effectively. Contact Apex to discuss the scope for your building.

How long does it take to produce a retrospective fire strategy?

The programme depends on the building’s complexity, availability of construction records, and the extent of on-site survey work required. A straightforward residential block may take two to three weeks from site visit to final report, while larger or more complex buildings with multiple uses or significant alterations may require a longer programme. Apex provides a clear scoping proposal with indicative timescales before any instruction is confirmed.