A fire engineer applies engineering principles to the design of fire safety in buildings. Where a building's design cannot be justified by following the prescriptive guidance in Approved Document B - because it is too complex, too innovative, or simply too large - a fire engineer develops a bespoke fire strategy. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, fire engineers have a central role in the safety case regime for higher-risk buildings (those over 18m or 7 storeys). They also carry out EWS1 external wall assessments alongside facade engineers, and advise on fire suppression, smoke control and means of escape for complex building types.
What they do
- Fire strategy reports for planning and Building Regulations
- Means of escape design - travel distances, widths and refuge areas
- Smoke control system design - natural and powered extraction
- Sprinkler system specification and layout
- Fire compartmentation strategy and cavity barrier specification
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) fire and smoke modelling
- EWS1 external wall fire safety assessment input
- Building Safety Act safety case support for higher-risk buildings
When you need one
Fire engineers are needed when a project is too complex for the prescriptive Approved Document B guidance, when the building type or height triggers specific requirements, or when a fire safety assessment of an existing building is required.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Fire strategy report | £1,500 - £5,000 |
| Smoke control design | £1,200 - £4,000 |
| CFD fire modelling | £2,000 - £6,000+ |
| EWS1 assessment | £1,200 - £5,000+ |
| Sprinkler system specification | £800 - £2,500 |
| Hourly rate | £90 - £160 / hr |
Fire engineering fees on complex buildings can be substantially higher than these ranges where CFD modelling, detailed means of escape analysis, or Building Safety Act safety case preparation is required. EWS1 fees vary widely depending on whether intrusive investigations are needed.
Qualifications to look for
The primary professional qualification for fire engineers. MIFireE (Member) and FIFireE (Fellow) demonstrate competence in fire dynamics, life safety system design, and performance-based fire engineering. CEng MIFireE is the chartered combination. Check at ife.org.uk.
Some fire engineers hold CABE membership alongside or instead of IFE membership, particularly where their practice spans building control and fire safety compliance. Both are recognised competency frameworks for fire safety work.
Specialist fire engineering degrees are offered at a small number of UK universities. Many fire engineers graduate in civil, structural or mechanical engineering and specialise into fire engineering through professional development and examination.
How to find a reputable fire engineer
Related Calculators
New Build Cost Calculator Loft Conversion Cost Calculator Extension Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
When is a fire engineer required?
Fire engineers are required when a building's design departs from the prescriptive guidance in Approved Document B, for complex building types such as hospitals, care homes, schools and large assembly buildings, for high-rise residential over 18m under the Building Safety Act 2022, and for EWS1 fire safety assessments on buildings with complex external wall systems.
What is a fire strategy?
A fire strategy is a document that describes how a building will achieve fire safety. It covers compartmentation, means of escape, detection and alarm systems, suppression (such as sprinklers), smoke control, fire service access, and maintenance provisions. For buildings departing from Approved Document B, the fire strategy is the engineer's case for why the alternative approach provides an equivalent or better level of safety.
What is the difference between a fire engineer and a fire risk assessor?
A fire engineer designs fire safety into new and refurbished buildings during the design and construction phase. A fire risk assessor assesses the fire safety of existing occupied buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Different roles - though the qualifications sometimes overlap and some practitioners do both.