The Institution of Fire Engineers:
Competency in Fire Safety
As part of our We're All in this Together! campaign in support of Fire Door Safety Week 2025, we're shining the spotlight on key voices from the fire safety industry to highlight crucial fire safety issues, emphasise how fire safety is everyone's responsibility and demonstrate how – by working together - we can create a safer world. Next, we have the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), an internationally recognised professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in fire engineering. In this article, we speak with Paul Trew, the IFE's Technical Director, and discuss the importance of demonstrable competency in the fire safety industry, the most overlooked areas of fire safety, and common misconceptions about fire safety, as well as how they can be addressed.
A global network of fire professionals
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is an internationally recognised professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in fire engineering. Founded in 1918 to advance and improve the knowledge, practice, and recognition of fire engineering, the IFE has long been committed to fostering inclusion, promoting learning and development, and today proudly supports a diverse community of members and affiliates worldwide. The IFE's high standards of competency and conduct, qualifications, membership grades, and access to continuous professional development are highly respected and sought after by employers across all sectors, enabling individuals to gain the technical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding essential for protecting people, property, and the environment.
What is fire engineering?
Fire engineering can be demonstrated using scientific and engineering principles, standards and professional judgement to protect people, property and the environment from the adverse effects of fire. IFE membership is broad, encompassing many roles across the fire engineering profession. Fire engineers are qualified, competent, and skilled professionals in the practice of fire engineering.
Can you explain the importance of demonstrable competency and raising professional standards in the fire safety industry?
Demonstrable competency ensures that fire safety professionals possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to make critical decisions that protect lives and property. Raising professional standards fosters public trust, improves safety outcomes, and supports a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the industry.
What should individuals and organisations look for when hiring fire safety professionals or consultants?
They should seek professionals who are registered with recognised bodies, such as the IFE, hold relevant qualifications, have proven experience, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development. Accreditation and third-party certification are also key indicators of credibility and competence.
What are the biggest challenges fire safety engineers face when implementing fire safety measures in buildings?
Challenges include balancing effective safety solutions with architectural design requirements, navigating complex and evolving regulations, retrofitting older buildings that were not originally designed with modern fire safety standards in mind, and securing stakeholder buy-in. Budget constraints and a lack of fire safety awareness among clients can also hinder effective implementation.
What are the most overlooked areas of fire safety in residential and commercial buildings, and how can they be addressed?
Some of the most common overlooked fire safety areas include fire door maintenance, compartmentation integrity, and evacuation planning for vulnerable occupants. To address these issues, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections, provide staff training, and establish clear responsibilities for ongoing maintenance. These steps help to close any gaps and enhance overall fire safety.
What are the most common misconceptions about fire safety, and how can they be addressed?
One common misconception is that compliance with minimum standards guarantees complete safety. Another is underestimating the importance of human behaviour in emergencies. These issues can be addressed through education, clear and open communication, and by promoting a risk-based approach to fire safety.
How can fire safety education and training be improved to raise awareness and understanding among the public and professionals?
Education can be enhanced through interactive training, real-life scenario simulations, and the integration of fire safety topics into school curricula. For professionals, offering structured CPD programmes, mentorship opportunities, and easy access to up-to-date research and case studies is essential.
To discover more about the events, membership or qualifications offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers, visit: https://ife.org.uk/
