Fire Evacuation Strategies

In the event of a fire, the safe evacuation of occupants must take priority. Fire and smoke can spread rapidly, potentially trapping people if an appropriate evacuation strategy is not in place.

As a landlord, managing agent, employer, business owner, or other duty holder, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that suitable fire safety arrangements are in place to protect everyone who may be affected by a fire in your premises.

A fire evacuation strategy is a fundamental part of fire safety management and must be appropriate to the building, its use, and the people who occupy it, as determined by a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

This guide explains the main types of fire evacuation strategies, when they are used, and how they should be applied in line with current fire safety legislation and guidance.

Fire Evacuation Strategies Explained

A fire evacuation strategy sets out how occupants are expected to reach a place of safety in the event of a fire. The strategy chosen will depend on several factors, including:

• The size, height, and layout of the building
• The number and type of occupants
• The level of fire protection provided
• How the building is managed and occupied

The evacuation strategy must be appropriate to the premises and cannot be selected in isolation from the fire risk assessment findings.

There is no single evacuation strategy that is suitable for all premises. The appropriate strategy must be identified through a fire risk assessment and reviewed regularly.

Total Evacuation Strategy

A total evacuation strategy involves moving all occupants to a place of ultimate safety outside the building when the fire alarm operates. This can be achieved in different ways depending on the building.

Simultaneous Evacuation

Simultaneous evacuation is the most common evacuation strategy, particularly in small or low-rise buildings.

Under this strategy:

• Everyone leaves the building at the same time when the fire alarm sounds
• Occupants use designated escape routes to reach a place of safety
• The strategy relies on clear alarm systems, signage, and unobstructed escape routes

Simultaneous evacuation is typically used in:

• Small offices
• Shops and retail premises
• Schools
• Low-risk, low-rise buildings

Phased Evacuation

Phased evacuation is used in larger or more complex buildings where evacuating everyone at once could overwhelm escape routes.

Under this strategy:

• Occupants closest to the fire evacuate first
• Other areas evacuate in planned stages
• Evacuation may be vertical (floor by floor) or horizontal (across compartments)

Phased evacuation relies heavily on:

• Fire-resisting construction
• Compartmentation
• Trained staff and clear management procedures

Phased evacuation must be carefully designed and justified within the fire risk assessment.

Progressive Evacuation Strategy

A progressive evacuation strategy involves moving occupants in stages to increasingly safer areas within the building before, if necessary, evacuating to the outside.

Progressive Horizontal Evacuation

Progressive horizontal evacuation involves moving people into an adjoining fire-resistant compartment on the same level.

This strategy is commonly used in:

• Hospitals
• Care homes
• Healthcare and residential care environments

It allows occupants to remain in a place of relative safety while care or treatment continues.

This strategy depends on robust fire compartmentation, trained staff, and effective fire protection measures, and must be supported by the fire risk assessment.

Zoned Evacuation

Zoned evacuation involves evacuating occupants from a specific affected area into a nearby safe or controlled zone.

This approach is often used as part of a wider evacuation strategy to:

• Control movement
• Assist accountability and headcounts
• Support Fire and Rescue Service intervention

Zoned evacuation is rarely a standalone strategy and should be clearly defined within the overall evacuation plan.

Two-Stage Evacuation Strategy

Two-stage evacuation is used in premises where an immediate full evacuation may cause panic or risk, such as:

• Theatres
• Cinemas
• Large entertainment venues

Under this approach:

• A staff alert system is activated first
• Trained staff investigate and manage the situation
• A full evacuation alarm is raised if necessary

This strategy relies on:

• Well-trained staff
• Clear procedures
• Regular drills and testing

Defend in Place Strategy

A defend-in-place strategy involves occupants remaining in their current location while fire-fighting measures are implemented.

This strategy is typically used where evacuation presents a greater risk than remaining in place, such as:

• Hospitals
• Critical care environments
• Areas with occupants dependent on medical equipment

Defend-in-place strategies rely on:

• High levels of fire protection
• Compartmentation
• Immediate staff response

This approach must be fully justified and documented within the fire risk assessment.

Stay Put Strategy in Residential Buildings

A stay put strategy is commonly used in purpose-built blocks of flats and relies on the principle that each flat is designed as a fire-resisting compartment.

Under a stay put strategy:

• Occupants of the flat affected by fire evacuate
• Occupants in other flats remain in their homes unless instructed otherwise
• Fire and Rescue Services manage the incident

Stay put strategies depend entirely on effective compartmentation, fire-resisting construction, and building design. They are not automatic and must be justified by the fire risk assessment.

Post-Grenfell, stay put strategies are subject to increased scrutiny and must be reviewed where building defects, changes in use, or management failures are identified.

Selecting an Appropriate Fire Evacuation Strategy

There is no single “best” fire evacuation strategy. The correct approach depends on:

• The building’s design and layout
• Occupant vulnerability and mobility
• Fire protection systems in place
• Management and staffing arrangements

The evacuation strategy must be clearly recorded within the fire risk assessment and communicated to occupants.

Roles and Responsibilities During Evacuation

Fire wardens or evacuation marshals play an important role in supporting evacuation, where appropriate.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Assisting occupants towards safe escape routes
• Checking designated areas if safe to do so
• Communicating with emergency services

Fire wardens must be trained and should never place themselves at risk.

Fire Evacuation Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Raise the alarm immediately if you discover a fire
• Assist visitors or vulnerable occupants where safe
• Follow the evacuation strategy and signage
• Proceed to the designated assembly point
• Remain there until instructed otherwise

Don’t

• Use lifts unless specifically designed for evacuation
• Re-enter the building until authorised
• Collect personal belongings
• Attempt firefighting unless trained and it is safe to do so

Conclusion

Fire evacuation strategies are a critical part of fire safety management and must be appropriate, documented, and regularly reviewed as part of the fire risk assessment process. The chosen strategy should reflect the building, its occupants, and the fire protection measures in place.

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we support building owners, landlords, and managing agents with competent fire risk assessments, regulatory guidance, and practical fire safety solutions.

A clear, well-designed evacuation strategy helps protect life, supports compliance, and ensures a coordinated response in the event of a fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Fire Evacuation Strategy?

A fire evacuation strategy is the planned approach for how occupants will reach a place of safety in the event of a fire. It takes account of the building’s design, fire protection measures, occupancy, and management arrangements, and must be documented within the fire risk assessment.

Who Is Responsible for Setting a Fire Evacuation Strategy?

The responsibility sits with the Responsible Person under fire safety legislation. This is usually the building owner, landlord, employer, managing agent, or another duty holder with control over the premises.

How Is a Fire Evacuation Strategy Determined?

The evacuation strategy is determined through a fire risk assessment. The assessment considers the building layout, height, fire protection features, occupancy profile, and how the premises are managed, before identifying the most appropriate evacuation approach.

What Is the Difference Between Simultaneous and Phased Evacuation?

Simultaneous evacuation involves everyone leaving the building at the same time when the fire alarm sounds.
Phased evacuation involves occupants leaving in planned stages, usually starting with those closest to the fire, to prevent escape routes becoming overcrowded.

What Is a Stay Put Fire Evacuation Strategy?

A stay put strategy is commonly used in purpose-built blocks of flats. Occupants of the flat affected by fire evacuate, while residents in other flats remain in place unless instructed otherwise. This strategy relies on effective compartmentation and must be justified within the fire risk assessment.

Are Fire Evacuation Strategies the Same for All Buildings?

No. There is no single evacuation strategy suitable for all premises. The correct strategy depends on the building’s design, use, height, occupancy, fire protection measures, and management arrangements.

Does a Fire Evacuation Strategy Need to Be Reviewed?

Yes. Fire evacuation strategies should be reviewed regularly as part of the fire risk assessment process, particularly if there are changes to the building, occupancy, use, or fire safety measures.

Do Occupants Need to Be Informed of the Evacuation Strategy?

Yes. Occupants must be informed of the evacuation strategy that applies to the building. Clear communication, signage, training, and drills (where appropriate) are essential to ensure the strategy can be followed safely in an emergency.