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These buildings vary in age, layout, architectural styles, and construction type. Compared with modern structures, heritage buildings were generally built to differing standards (if any at all) and may not be designed for the purpose they are used for today. They often feature extensive timber flooring, roof framing and decorative features, and have unprotected voids created by modifications over time to accommodate plumbing, electricity cables, lifts and other modern conveniences, which can combine to help the spread of fire.
You need to strike a balance between developing fire protection arrangements and retaining features that make a building unique. Listed buildings will normally require special consent before conservation or improvement works are made.
Common causes of heritage fire and how to prevent them
The most common causes of damage are accidental, arson, blocked or damaged chimneys, cooking, electrical faults, hot works, and lightning strikes. We’ve developed a suite of guidance to help you manage the risks.