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Welcome To Highgate Fire

Blueprints On Desk

At Highgate Fire Engineering Ltd, we deliver technically rigorous, independent fire engineering consultancy at all project stages — from early design and planning through to construction, occupation, and post-completion review. Our focus is on clear communication, responsive service, and practical, proportionate fire safety solutions.

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Our Expertise

Fire Strategy Development

We prepare clear and concise fire strategy reports to support compliance with the Building Regulations, tailored to the specific use, layout, and risk profile of each building. Our reports provide a sound basis for design development, Building Control approval, and coordination with other disciplines.

Planning Support & Plan Reviews

We support early-stage design with fire safety input to de-risk planning submissions and streamline progression to detailed design. Services include:

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  • Fire strategy input at RIBA Stages 1–2

  • Planning fire statements and outline strategies

  • Plan reviews for compliance with Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 7974, and other relevant guidance

  • Liaison with Building Control, Fire and Rescue Services, and the planning authority

Construction-Phase Fire Engineering Support

We provide ongoing fire engineering support throughout the construction stage, including:

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  • Review of contractor fire safety documentation

  • Coordination of temporary and phased fire protection measures

  • Advice on sequencing, compartmentation, and interim use of parts of the building

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All work aligns with HSG 168 (Fire Safety in Construction) and the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCOP), helping dutyholders fulfil their obligations under CDM and meet insurance requirements.

Façade Fire Safety & FRAEWs

We are experienced in carrying out Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEWs) in accordance with PAS 9980. Our façade safety services include:

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  • Site-based and desktop FRAEWs

  • Review of intrusive inspection reports

  • Advice on material risk, mitigation strategies, and interim measures

  • Commentary on compliance, proportionality, and regulatory expectations

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We also support architects, façade consultants, and contractors with the development and review of external wall remediation strategies.

Developer Self-Remediation Project Support

We act as independent technical advisors for leaseholders, residents’ committees, and managing agents involved in façade remediation under the Developer Self-Remediation (DSR) programme. Our role includes:

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  • Reviewing proposed remediation works and design documentation

  • Supporting resident understanding of risks, obligations, and proposed solutions

  • Advising on compliance, proportionality, and contractor engagement

Third-Party Technical Reviews

Our independent third-party reviews are trusted by developers, legal teams, insurers, and responsible persons seeking assurance or a second opinion. We regularly undertake:

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  • Peer reviews of fire strategy reports

  • Validation and critique of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling

  • Independent review of FRAEWs and façade remediation strategies

  • Assessment of regulatory compliance and proportionality

Expert Witness Services

We prepare formal, impartial expert witness reports to support legal proceedings, dispute resolution, and insurance claims. Our director, Dane Owen, is qualified under the LETAPAEWE (Level 7 Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence), and has provided expert opinion in relation to:

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  • Fire strategy non-compliance

  • Construction defects and remediation

  • External wall systems and façade fire risk

  • Enforcement actions and appeals

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All reports are written to a high evidential standard and in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR Part 35), where applicable.

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