Fire Protection Association raises concerns over EWS1 forms

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has reported concerns over the validity of some External Wall System (EWS1) forms following disciplinary action against fire engineer Adam Kiziak.

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) suspended Kiziak for six months in August 2024 after finding breaches of its code of conduct, including failure to maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance and working outside professional competence.

In December 2024, Inside Housing reported that independent audits commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had overturned some of Kiziak’s fire risk assessments.

On 21 January 2025, IFE confirmed that the sanction against Kiziak had been extended due to ongoing complaints, which remain under investigation.

The organisation stated that the sanction would stay in place until investigations concluded.

Mortgage lenders respond to concerns over EWS1 forms

Following Kiziak’s suspension, mortgage lender Nationwide temporarily halted lending on buildings that had been signed off by Kiziak and Tri Fire.

A spokesperson for Nationwide told Inside Housing: “We take building safety very seriously and Tri Fire’s current suspension means that we are temporarily unable to make lending decisions based on its reports without further information and validation.”

The spokesperson added that responsibility for ensuring valid reports rested with building owners.

Nationwide stated that it was working with stakeholders to address cases impacted by the suspension.

IFE acknowledged the impact of the issue on mortgage approvals and stated that it was engaging with UK Finance to assess the broader implications of its member sanctions.

UK Finance advised individuals with concerns to contact their mortgage lenders directly.

Housing associations and public bodies take action

Notting Hill Genesis issued guidance to leaseholders on 27 January 2025 regarding EWS1 forms rejected by lenders.

The housing association stated that its internal review of the peer review process used by Tri Fire found it to be insufficiently robust.

As a result, Notting Hill Genesis announced that it would cease using Tri Fire and instead commission new EWS1 forms through alternative fire engineering consultants.

It also warned leaseholders that fire engineer demand was high and waiting times could exceed the current 8 to 10 weeks.

Tri Fire suspended from government-approved panel

Homes England has suspended Tri Fire from its panel of firms approved to carry out fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) under the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS).

As reported by Construction News, a Freedom of Information request revealed that Tri Fire had completed more than 60 FRAEWs for CSS applicants before its suspension.

A spokesperson for Homes England stated that the organisation was aware of the allegations against Tri Fire and had suspended the firm from its assessor panel.

The spokesperson added that an audit was underway to review Tri Fire reports, with additional control measures in place for assessments conducted before the suspension.

Michael Wharfe, partner at Devonshires law firm, told Construction News that ensuring the accuracy of fire risk assessments was essential before CSS applications or remedial work proceeded.

A lawyer acting for Tri Fire told BBC News that the firm was working to resolve the issues and was considering alternative peer review options.

Validity of EWS1 forms questioned after fire engineer sanction: Summary

Concerns have been raised over the validity of some EWS1 forms following the suspension of fire engineer Adam Kiziak by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Kiziak was sanctioned in August 2024 for breaches of professional standards, with the sanction extended in January 2025 due to further complaints.

Mortgage lender Nationwide temporarily halted lending decisions on properties assessed by Kiziak and Tri Fire.

IFE stated that it was engaging with UK Finance to address the impact of the issue on mortgage approvals.

Notting Hill Genesis announced it would no longer use Tri Fire for EWS1 assessments following an internal review.

Homes England suspended Tri Fire from its approved panel for the Cladding Safety Scheme, pending an audit of previous fire risk assessments.

A lawyer representing Tri Fire said the firm was working to resolve the situation.