Fire risk assessments in Ipswich

Ipswich is Suffolk’s county town, with everything from Waterfront apartment blocks to town-centre shops, offices and shared houses.

Fire risk assessments in Ipswich

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for a business, a block of flats or a shared house must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Since October 2023 it must be recorded in full, along with who carried it out.

Steve Milligan spent 26 years with the fire service, retiring as a Watch Manager in 2021, and is now an NFRAR Advanced Level fire risk assessor. He visits your premises himself, writes the report himself and answers your questions afterwards.

Premises Steve assesses in Ipswich

• Apartment blocks on the Waterfront and around the town centre, including taller buildings
• Offices and shops in the town centre and on business parks
• HMOs and shared houses let to students and young professionals
• Restaurants, bars and takeaways with commercial kitchens and late opening
• Warehouses and industrial units with storage, vehicles and shift working

Blocks of flats carry extra duties. Over 11 metres, communal fire doors need checking every quarter and flat entrance doors every year. At 18 metres or 7 storeys, high-rise duties apply, and since April 2026 residents who would struggle to get out must be offered a person-centred fire risk assessment.

Who enforces fire safety in Ipswich

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Fire Safety Order in Ipswich and can issue enforcement, prohibition and alteration notices. Its fire protection pages cover the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

Ipswich Borough Council enforces housing standards and HMO licensing.

What you get

• A visit by Steve and an electronic written report with an overall risk level
• An action plan graded High, Medium and Low, plus a For Information section of advisory points
• The full findings and the assessor’s details recorded, as the law requires
• Free follow-up advice by phone or email while you work through the actions

Fire risk assessments start at £250, with a fixed quote before you book and nothing to pay until your report is ready. See all services and prices, or read what affects the price.

Training for teams in Ipswich

Fire warden training runs at your premises for up to 12 people for £400, with a certificate valid for 3 years. Fire safety awareness training raises your staff’s awareness of how fires start, how to prevent them and what to do if one breaks out, from £120.

Questions from Ipswich

Our block is over 18 metres. What extra duties apply?

Building plans and external wall details for the fire service, a secure information box, wayfinding signs and monthly checks of firefighting lifts and equipment. Read residential PEEPs for the April 2026 rules.

How many fire wardens does our office need?

There is no fixed number in law; it depends on floors, shifts and who uses the building. See how many fire wardens do you need?

How soon can you visit?

Most visits are booked 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Send the address and type of premises for a fixed quote and dates.

Related reading: Residential PEEPs: the new evacuation plan rules and Fire safety in flats and HMOs: what landlords must do.