Fire research testing developments at FPA: Supporting UK safety and construction strategy
Iain Hoey
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FPA expands UK fire research testing to meet construction and safety demands
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has expanded its fire research testing capacity to meet the growing needs of UK insurers, regulators, manufacturers, and fire engineers.
According to the Fire Protection Association, its Gloucestershire-based Fire Testing Laboratory – accredited by UKAS – now offers testing aligned with multiple British Standards including BS 8414 for cladding, BS 8458 for watermist systems, and several fire resistance standards for building components.
The FPA explained that its expanded facility is designed to support experimental fire testing, full-scale reconstructions and fire simulation research. The organisation stated this research plays a role in supporting new safety strategies across government, construction, and the fire and rescue sector.
Technical director highlights the importance of experimental fire testing
George Edwardes, Technical Director of the FPA, said the association’s expanded research testing supports fire safety and industry adaptation.
Edwardes said: “Research and experimental fire testing is going to play a critical role in enabling net zero construction.”
Edwardes added: “We are pleased to have further expanded our capabilities with our dedicated research team who can support the needs of the industry in shaping fire safety strategies, improving building resilience and informing regulatory and insurance practices.”
The FPA stated that its new facility can support tests involving fires up to 8 MW, with features including integrated suppression systems, overpressure vents and environmental controls for smoke extraction and wastewater management.
Research into external cladding systems informs safety practices
The FPA said its fire research is primarily carried out through its RISCAuthority research programme, which is funded by UK insurers and supports sector-specific working groups.
The organisation explained that it recently published a guide on fire risks associated with green and living walls. This guidance was produced in collaboration with living wall suppliers and insurers including Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, Biotecture, ABI, Growing Revolution and Scotscape.
The FPA added that it also developed a new fire test method for cladding systems, known as RISC 501, in response to identified shortcomings in BS 8414 and BR 135 testing. The FPA stated the new approach was created with the University of Central Lancashire, insurers and consultants to improve assessment reliability and limit fire spread.
Ongoing projects aim to improve fire resilience in changing construction methods
The FPA stated that its future research initiatives focus on enabling safe use of modern construction materials and technologies.
The association reported plans to examine fire safety in timber-framed buildings, insulation installation, photovoltaic panel use, and lightweight steel structures.
It added that other work will include compiling a database on combustible product behaviours, and developing a fire safety classification system for buildings that could integrate with BIM platforms.
The organisation also plans to carry out horizon scanning for emerging fire risks.
Fire research testing developments at FPA: Summary
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has expanded its fire research testing facility in Gloucestershire.
The facility supports British Standard-aligned testing, fire reconstructions and simulations.
FPA’s Technical Director George Edwardes stated that experimental fire testing supports net zero construction.
The new facility includes suppression systems, overpressure vents, smoke extraction, and wastewater treatment.
Research projects are conducted via RISCAuthority, a UK insurer-funded programme.
Recent studies include fire risk guidance for green walls and development of the RISC 501 cladding test.
Collaborating organisations include Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, ABI, Biotecture, Growing Revolution and Scotscape.
FPA plans future research on safe use of timber, insulation, photovoltaic panels and steel framing.
Other aims include a combustible materials database and building classification system.
The research will feed into fire strategy development and BIM integration.
Horizon scanning for future risks is also part of the FPA’s 2025 research priorities.
