What Should I Do?
You open the post (or your inbox) and there it is: an Enforcement Notice from your local Fire and Rescue Service. Your stomach drops. Words like “contravention”, “prohibition”, and “fixed penalty” jump off the page.
Take a breath. Yes, this is serious – but it is also fixable, and the faster you act, the lower the financial and reputational damage will be. The enforcement is manageable with immediate action.
Here’s the exact step-by-step plan we give our own clients the moment they call us in a panic (and yes, they always call the same day).
1. Read the Notice TWICE – Slowly
Fire authorities have to tell you exactly what is wrong and by when it must be fixed. Look for three key dates:
- The date the notice was served
- The date the remedial works must start or be completed
- The date you must provide evidence of compliance
Missing any of these triggers escalation: Prohibition Notices, £50k+ fines, or even prosecution.
2. Do NOT Ignore It or Hope It Goes Away
In 2024–2025, fire authorities issued over 4,200 enforcement actions in England alone, and follow-up inspections are now routine with strict scrutinization of compliance notices.
3. Call a Competent Fire Risk Assessor TODAY (Yes, Literally Today)
You need someone who:
- Is third-party accredited (IFSM, IFE, or Warringtonfire registered Tier 2/3)
- Has recent experience of defending or discharging Enforcement Notices
- Can be on site within 48–72 hours
Do not use the cheapest cowboy on Google – this is the one time it will cost you far more in the long run.
4. Arrange a Priority Re-Assessment Visit
A good assessor will:
- Walk the building with the Enforcement Notice in hand
- Photograph and log every contravention listed
- Produce an updated Fire Risk Assessment and prioritised Action Plan, usually within 24–48 hours of the visit
This document becomes your roadmap and, crucially, your evidence of “taking all reasonable steps”.
5. Write to the Fire Service Immediately (Template Below)
Send this on the same day or next day – it buys goodwill and time by showing proactive steps towards compliance with the notice.
Subject: Enforcement Notice Ref [XXXX] – Immediate Action Being Taken
Dear [Inspecting Officer’s Name],
We are in receipt of the Enforcement Notice dated [date] and treat the matter with the utmost urgency.
We have instructed [Your Company Name], an accredited fire risk assessment company, to attend site on [date] to conduct a priority review and produce an updated Suitable and Sufficient Fire Risk Assessment with prioritised action plan.
A copy of the new assessment and remedial works schedule will be forwarded to you by [realistic date – usually 5–7 working days]. In the meantime, please contact me directly on [your mobile] if you require any interim information.
Yours sincerely, [Your Name & Position]
6. Start the Critical Works Straight Away
While waiting for the full report, fix anything that can be done immediately:
- Unblock fire exits
- Remove wedges from fire doors
- Replace missing/damaged fire door signs
- Isolate dangerous electrical overloading you can see
Take dated photos – they are gold in appeal hearings.
7. Keep a Document Trail of Everything
Every email, quote, purchase order, and photo must be dated and saved. If the case ever goes to magistrates, the quality of your paper trail can often keep fines low or get them dropped.
8. Ask for an Extension If You Genuinely Need One
Fire officers would rather grant a short, evidenced extension than see you fail and go to court. Submit your new Action Plan and request formally – 80% of reasonable requests are granted.
9. Get the Notice Formally Withdrawn
Once all items are complete, your assessor should write to the Fire Service with evidence (photos, test certificates, updated FRA). Most notices are withdrawn within 14 days of satisfactory evidence of addressing all issues in the enforcement requirement.
The Good News
In the last 18 months we have helped 47 clients discharge Enforcement Notices without a single one receiving a fine or prohibition, simply because they acted fast and professionally.
You are not the first person to receive one of these letters, and you will not be the last. What matters is what you do in the next 72 hours.
If you’ve just been served a notice and want calm, expert help today, call us on [your phone number] or reply to this email. We prioritise enforcement cases and can usually have someone with you within 48 hours, anywhere in the UK.
You’ve got this – and we’ve got your back.
Staines Safety Services Ltd, Third-party accredited fire risk assessors
Call 07885982771