The Fire Network

01/04/2026

This is no ordinary bottle of water, this bottle of water cost £2 to most people, but because I asked the vendor if he was having a nice day and how he was he gave it to me half price, who says being nice doesn’t pay!

09/03/2026

Weekly Fire Alarm Tests – Why They Matter and How to Do Them Properly

Weekly fire alarm testing is a legal expectation under British Standards and government guidance.

Yet on many sites we visit:
• Tests are not recorded
• Tests haven’t been done for months
• Staff don’t know how to carry them out

A proper weekly test should:
• Use a different call point each week
• Be recorded in the fire logbook
• Confirm sounders are audible

These tests take minutes but can highlight faults before a real emergency occurs.

02/03/2026

Blocked Escape Routes – A Serious Risk We See Far Too Often

Blocked escape routes are one of the most dangerous and avoidable fire safety issues we encounter.

On recent site visits we’ve seen:
• Corridors used for storage
• Fire exits locked “to prevent theft”
• Bins and furniture obstructing final exits

Escape routes must be:
• Kept clear at all times
• Properly signed and illuminated
• Immediately usable in an emergency

A simple weekly walk-round by a nominated person can prevent these issues entirely.

23/02/2026

What We Commonly Find During Fire Risk Assessments – From Real Sites

During fire risk assessments across offices, residential blocks and commercial buildings, we often see the same issues repeated.

Some of the most common include:
• Fire doors wedged open
• Blocked or locked escape routes
• Fire alarm tests not being carried out
• Missing or outdated fire action notices

None of these issues are complex or expensive to fix, yet they significantly increase risk during a fire.

Fire safety failures are rarely dramatic — they’re usually small oversights that build up over time.

17/02/2026

I’m up to £250 and would like to make the £500 mark. Thanks to those that have supported me so far, anyone else that wants to chip in it would be greatly appreciated and will make a difference to others (I’m sure we have all been effected by cancer one way or another) it will take you 2 minutes to donate 👍

https://dartsmarathon.macmillan.org.uk/users/gary-edwards

Thanks everyone 🤞

I am registered for Macmillan Darts Challenge and fundraising for people living with cancer. Please donate.

16/02/2026

Who Is the “Responsible Person” Under the Fire Safety Order?

The Fire Safety Order places duties on the “Responsible Person”. This is usually:
• The employer
• The building owner
• The managing agent
• Or anyone with control of the premises

Their responsibilities include:
• Ensuring a suitable fire risk assessment is in place
• Maintaining fire safety systems
• Providing staff fire safety training
• Ensuring escape routes are clear and usable

In our experience, many Responsible Persons don’t realise the personal liability involved. Fines, enforcement notices and even prosecution can follow where fire safety duties are neglected.

Competent advice and regular inspections significantly reduce this risk.

11/02/2026

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment and Why Is It a Legal Requirement?

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Its purpose is simple: to identify fire hazards, assess the level of risk, and put reasonable measures in place to protect life.

In practice, a fire risk assessment should:
• Identify sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen
• Identify people at risk, including vulnerable occupants
• Evaluate existing fire safety measures
• Recommend practical actions to reduce risk

Relevant guidance includes:
• HM Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment guides
• BS 9991 for residential buildings
• Approver Document B Vol1

One of the most common misunderstandings we encounter is that a fire risk assessment is a “one-off”. In reality, it must be reviewed regularly, particularly after building changes, changes in occupancy, or fire incidents.

If you’re unsure whether your fire risk assessment is compliant or up to date, a competent assessor can help identify gaps before they become serious risks.

11/02/2026

I stayed in a guest house last night, lovely owners but just not aware of fire safety regs, in my room alone:

- Non fire rated door.
- No strips or seals to it.
- No thumb twist lock.
- Excessive gaps.
- No escape route plan. And a 70s contraption to get me out if there was a fire.

Regulations have tightened massively in our industry but owners need educating.

03/02/2026

Not sure I would be wanting to use this toilet or be buying a packet of crisps when someone was in it 🤣🤣🤣

19/01/2026

At The Fire Network we invest heavily to ensure that all of our staff are competent in carrying out fire risk assessments in a multitude of premises; but this investment cuts many ways, it’s not just financial (yes there is a substantial cost to the business for training courses and industry membership fees etc), but there is the ongoing investment of time to support from more experienced assessors within the team and administration support from the office, as well as commitment from the assessors themselves.

So a few shout outs, firstly a MASSIVE shout out to Alex Edwards on achieving his Tier 2 status through The Institute of Fire Safety Managers, it’s taken a lot of work for you to get there and the achievement should not be understated!

But it’s also down to the hard work of those supporting you, so a second MASSIVE shout out to Pen Edwards and Jeanette Lake, thankyou for your tireless efforts 👍

05/12/2025

Are there any fellow assessors following me that have contacts in Belfast to carry out an FRA for me on an office?