Fire Strategy Document vs Fire Risk Assessment: Do You Need Both?

Introduction

Fire safety is one of the most important duties for any building owner, manager, or developer. Two documents often cause confusion—the fire strategy document and the fire risk assessment (FRA). They may sound alike, but they are not the same. Each serves a different purpose, and both are critical for keeping a building compliant, safe, and ready to protect the people inside.

This guide by Fire Safety Specialists Ltd explains the difference between the two and how each plays a vital role in maintaining building safety.

Key Takeaway

Think of it this way:

• A fire strategy explains how a building is designed and built to control fire risks from the start.
• A fire risk assessment (FRA) checks the actual conditions once people are using the building.

Both work hand in hand. The strategy provides the design framework, while the FRA ensures the building remains safe and compliant over time.

What Is a Fire Strategy Document and Why Is It Required?

A fire strategy document is a technical report prepared by a qualified fire engineer. It explains how a building will meet fire safety requirements during design, construction, or refurbishment.

When a Fire Strategy Is Required

1. New builds – to show compliance with Building Regulations and Approved Document B.
2. Major refurbishments – when layouts, occupancy levels, or escape routes change.
3. Change of use – such as converting an office into residential flats.
4. Retrospective fire strategy – for existing properties without clear documentation.

What It Covers

• Escape routes and fire doors
• Compartmentation to limit fire spread
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Access routes for the fire service
• Occupant load and evacuation plans

A fire strategy document ensures the building is compliant before it is occupied.

For more information, please read our comprehensive guide: What To Include In A Fire Strategy Document?

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment and How Does It Differ?

Unlike a strategy, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It must be carried out in all non-domestic premises and the common areas of flats once the building is in use.

What an FRA Includes

• Identifying fire hazards (ignition sources, flammable materials, faulty electrics)
• Assessing risks to occupants, including vulnerable groups
• Checking escape routes, fire doors, extinguishers, and signage
• Reviewing staff training and emergency plans
• Creating an action plan to make the building compliant

Key Point

While a fire strategy is about design compliance, the FRA is about real-world safety once people are inside the building. 

You may also read: Are Fire Risk Assessment Recommendations Legally Binding or Just Suggestions?

 

 

Fire Strategy vs FRA: What’s the Key Difference?

This is where confusion often happens. The easiest way to explain is with a quick comparison.

Aspect	Fire Strategy Document	Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
Purpose	Ensures design and construction meet fire safety standards	Identifies current hazards and risks in occupied premises
Stage	Design, build, or refurbishment stage	Operational stage once the building is in use
Prepared By	Fire engineer or fire consultant	Competent risk assessor
Focus	Structure, systems, and fire safety design	People, hazards, and real-world usage
Legislation	Building Regulations, Approved Document B	Fire Safety Order 2005

Both documents are independent, but they are strongest when used together.

How Fire Strategies and FRAs Work Together

A fire strategy document provides the blueprint for fire safety. It outlines escape routes, fire doors, compartmentation, and fire service access, ensuring compliance with building regulations during design or refurbishment.

A fire risk assessment (FRA) checks how that blueprint works once the building is in use. It reviews escape routes, tests fire doors, and identifies new hazards or changes that may affect compliance and occupant safety.

When layouts change—such as adding mezzanines, machinery, or staff—the FRA ensures the building remains compliant. Together, fire strategies and FRAs form a cycle of fire safety management, keeping people and property protected.

Reviewing and Updating Fire Strategies and Fire Risk Assessments

Fire safety is never “one and done.” Both documents must evolve with the building.

When to Review a Fire Risk Assessment

1. At least once a year
2. After significant changes (layout, staff, new equipment)
3. Following a fire incident or near-miss
4. When regulations are updated

When to Update a Fire Strategy

• If the building undergoes major refurbishment
• If occupancy levels increase significantly
• If original documents are missing or outdated

Regular updates ensure the building stays compliant, safe, and ready for inspection by enforcement authorities. 

You may also read: Fire Risk Assessment Frequency and What to Do If There Isn’t One

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Fire Safety Approach

Fire safety is about more than just ticking boxes. A fire strategy document ensures that a building is designed correctly, while a fire risk assessment ensures that the building remains safe over time.

Ignoring either can expose owners and managers to fines, liability, and serious safety risks. Having both in place creates a comprehensive safety net, protecting not only the building but also the people who rely on it every day.

FAQs

What is the difference between a fire strategy document and an FRA?

A fire strategy sets out design measures like fire doors, escape routes, and controls on fire spread to meet building regulations. An FRA is a live check by a risk assessor that identifies each hazard and confirms the premise stays compliant.

Is a fire risk assessment mandatory in the UK?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premise must have an FRA. The responsible person ensures fire safety features such as fire detection and escape routes protect every occupant.

When is a fire strategy required for a building project?

It is needed for new builds, major refurbishments, or a change of use to show compliance. A fire engineer may also prepare one retrospectively to update fire protection standards.

Who prepares a fire strategy document?

A qualified fire engineer or consultant prepares it, with building control reviewing for fire safety features like fire doors and safe escape routes.

How often should fire risk assessments be reviewed?

An FRA should be reviewed yearly or after changes in layout or occupant numbers. This keeps fire strategies and fire protection measures up to date.