Much can be done by good management to prevent fires from occurring in the first place. Beyond this, the installation of fire detection and protection systems may be required. There are many devices available, from simple smoke detectors to carefully engineered detection, alarm and suppression systems. However, in some instances, such technology demands a level of intervention in the fabric that is unacceptable in conservation terms. Measures taken to protect the fabric must not damage what they set out to protect. A balance needs to be established.

This document is concerned, firstly, with setting out measures to identify and eliminate risk from fire by effective management and, secondly with reviewing appropriate technologies, whilst examining the effect of their introduction into historic buildings. Fire protection measures may range from simple common sense to, in the most developed form, a fire engineering approach which seeks to bring a rational, analytical process to bear. At every level of its consideration a great deal of care is required in order to achieve a balanced outcome which makes the best use of available resources and is consistent with accepted conservation principles.

This Technical Advice note is the eleventh in an occasional series of notes on practical and technical issues, which can arise in safeguarding the nation’s heritage. It intends to give guidance on the principles involved in the effective protection of historic buildings from the effects of fire. It is not intended as a prescriptive document nor as definitive specifications for provisions on site. Although primarily aimed at offering advice and information of use to Historic Scotland staff, is intended to be of value to others who have to consider fire risk and protection measures for historic buildings.