Journey
Respond to fire service enforcement
What to do when you receive a fire safety enforcement notice, prohibition notice, or alterations notice from the fire and rescue service.
You have received an enforcement notice
Receiving a notice from the fire and rescue service is serious. Work out what type of notice you have received and what you need to do.
Warning: If you have a prohibition notice, you may need to stop using part or all of your premises immediately.
-
Identify your notice type
There are three types of fire safety notice. Check which one you have received:
Notice Type What it means Urgency Alterations Notice You must notify the fire authority before making certain changes Ongoing requirement Enforcement Notice You have breached fire safety law and must take remedial action Comply by the deadline in the notice (at least 28 days from service) Prohibition Notice Risk is so serious that premises use must be prohibited/restricted Immediate action required If you have a PROHIBITION NOTICE
Take immediate action:
- If stated as immediate effect, stop using the premises immediately
- Do not allow people into affected areas
- The notice stays in force if you appeal, unless the court directs otherwise on your application
- Operating in breach is a serious criminal offence
Seek legal advice immediately if you believe the notice is wrong.
If you have an ENFORCEMENT NOTICE
Read the full enforcement response guide
Detailed guidance on responding to enforcement notices
Immediate steps
- Note your deadline - Missing it is a criminal offence
- Read carefully - Understand exactly what breach is alleged
- Plan remedial work - What needs to be done and by when
- Get professional help if needed - For complex issues, consult a fire safety professional
-
Complete remedial work
Address every issue specified in your notice. Common remediation includes:
- Fire risk assessment: Complete or update your assessment
- Escape routes: Clear obstructions, fix fire doors
- Equipment: Install or service alarms, extinguishers, lighting
- Training: Conduct staff training, fire drill
- Records: Establish proper record-keeping
Update your fire risk assessment
If required, complete or review your fire risk assessment
-
Get professional help
For enforcement notices, consider hiring a professional fire risk assessor to:
- Review your current fire risk assessment
- Advise on remedial measures
- Provide evidence of compliance
Choose a fire risk assessor
How to select a competent professional
-
Notify the fire authority
When you have completed all remedial work:
- Contact the fire authority to confirm compliance
- Provide evidence of work completed
- Request re-inspection if appropriate
- Keep all documentation
Your right to appeal
You can appeal any fire safety notice to a Magistrates' court within 21 days.
Important:
- An enforcement notice or alterations notice is suspended while you appeal
- A prohibition notice stays in force during an appeal unless the court directs otherwise on your application, so you must still comply
Seek legal advice before appealing.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failing to comply with a fire safety notice is a criminal offence.
Prevent future enforcement
Once you have addressed the notice, maintain compliance to avoid future enforcement:
Fire safety compliance checklist
Ongoing checklist to maintain compliance
Fire safety equipment maintenance
Keep your fire safety equipment properly maintained
Legal resources
Fire Safety Order 2005 - enforcement provisions (opens in a new tab)
Articles 29-35 covering enforcement and appeals
Find a solicitor (opens in a new tab)
If you need legal advice on fire safety enforcement