When it comes to protecting people, property, and business continuity in Central London, fire safety is more than a regulatory tick-box—it’s a critical component of responsible building management. Two terms that often cause confusion are Fire Safety Strategy and Fire Risk Assessment. While both play essential roles in ensuring safety and compliance, they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences is vital for property owners, developers, facilities managers, and responsible persons operating in London’s dense, high-risk urban environment.   Below, we break down what each involves, how they differ, and why both are essential for compliance with UK fire safety legislation—especially within Central London’s complex building landscape.

What Is a Fire Safety Strategy?

A Fire Safety Strategy is a design-stage document that outlines how a building will meet the functional requirements of Approved Document B, the London Plan, and other building control standards. It is typically developed by fire engineers or fire safety consultants during the planning or construction phase of a building.

Key elements of a Fire Safety Strategy

A typical strategy for a Central London building may include:

• Means of escape design
Detailing protected routes, travel distances, evacuation lifts, and phased evacuation strategies common in tall commercial and residential buildings.
• Compartmentation and fire-resisting construction
Crucial in London’s mixed-use developments where residential, retail, and office spaces coexist.
• Fire detection and alarm systems
Specifying system types, location of detectors, and alarm signalling.
• Firefighting access and facilities
Considering London Fire Brigade requirements and site constraints around narrow city streets.
• Smoke control or ventilation systems
• Building materials and fire performance
• Emergency lighting requirements

When is a Fire Safety Strategy Required?

It is usually produced for:

• New-build construction projects
• Major refurbishments
• Change-of-use applications
• Buildings with complex layouts or high occupancy levels

In Central London—where space is limited, building height is significant, and mixed uses are common—a Fire Safety Strategy is often mandatory to satisfy planning and building control.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and is focused on ongoing fire safety management once a building is occupied.
Where a Fire Safety Strategy deals with design, the FRA addresses real-world conditions.

Key elements of a Fire Risk Assessment

An FRA evaluates:

• Fire hazards and ignition sources
• People at risk (including vulnerable occupants)
• Fire detection and alarm suitability
• Escape routes and signage
• Fire doors and fire-stopping
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Evacuation procedures
• Staff training and responsibilities

How often must an FRA be completed?

In Central London, the combination of high footfall and greater building risk means assessments should be:

• Reviewed regularly (typically annually)
• Updated after any significant changes (layout alterations, increased occupancy, etc.)
• Conducted by a competent fire risk assessor

For residential buildings, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 now require additional focus on external wall systems—particularly relevant for many Central London apartment blocks.

Fire Safety Strategy vs. Fire Risk Assessment: The Key Differences

Aspect	Fire Safety Strategy	Fire Risk Assessment
Stage	Design & construction stage	Post-occupancy & ongoing
Purpose	Ensures building meets fire safety regulations in design	Ensures building remains safe in real-world use
Focus	Building structure, systems, engineering	Occupants, hazards, maintenance, day-to-day conditions
Legal Status	Required for planning/building control when applicable	A legal requirement for all non-domestic and common areas of residential buildings
Prepared by	Fire engineers or fire consultants	Competent fire risk assessors
Updates	Rarely unless building is modified	Regularly, typically annually

Why Both Are Essential in Central London

Central London presents unique fire safety challenges:

1. High-rise and mixed-use buildings
With offices, retail units, hospitality venues, and residential towers sharing footprint, clear strategies and ongoing risk management are critical.
2. Historic building stock
Listed and heritage buildings in areas like Westminster, Bloomsbury, and Soho require careful, specialist fire engineering and risk assessment.
3. High population density and footfall
With thousands of residents, commuters, and tourists daily, evacuation strategies must be robust and regularly reviewed.
4. London Fire Brigade requirements
Access, water supply, and smoke management provisions must accommodate narrow streets and heavily built-up areas.  Having both a compliant Fire Safety Strategy and an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment helps ensure:

• Legal compliance
• Reduced likelihood of enforcement action
• Enhanced occupant safety
• Lower insurance risk
• Greater resilience in emergency situations

How They Work Together

The Fire Safety Strategy forms the foundation: it sets out how the building is designed to be safe.
The Fire Risk Assessment ensures the building continues to be safe, even as conditions change.
A high-quality FRA should reference the building’s Fire Safety Strategy to ensure the original design intent aligns with current use. This alignment is especially important in Central London developments, where changes in tenancy or layout are frequent.

Conclusion

Both a Fire Safety Strategy and a Fire Risk Assessment are essential components of effective fire safety management in Central London. One shapes the building’s design; the other governs its ongoing safety in use. Understanding the distinctions—and ensuring both are completed by competent professionals—is crucial for legal compliance, occupant protection, and protecting your asset in one of the world’s busiest urban environments.
If you need help with developing a Fire Safety Strategy, carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment, or ensuring compliance with London Fire Brigade guidance, feel free to ask—Nexus Fire can help you create a tailored plan for your building.