Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2000
https://www.firesafe.org.uk/history-of-fire-safety-legislation/#breg
Fire safety was covered by approximately seventy pieces of fire safety legislation in the United Kingdom. The main pieces of legislation included the Fire Precautions Act 1961 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/1999. In 2001 it was decided the legislation needed to be to simplified and was achieved a few years later in England and Wales with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
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Buildings that Survived the Great Fire of London – The Fire safety regulations in London have evolved significantly, particularly after major fires like the Great Fire of London in 1666. Early regulations focused on building materials and street width to prevent fire spread, while later acts addressed human life and escape routes. Key developments include the Fires Prevention (Metropolis) Act of 1774, which introduced building classifications and fire ladders, and the Fire Services Act of 1947, which shifted responsibility for fire safety to the Fire Brigade.
Here's a more detailed look:
Early Regulations (Medieval Period):
Cities and towns faced increased fire risks due to wooden structures and straw-covered floors. Fire safety measures included putting out all fires at night and prohibiting thatched roofs.
Great Fire of London (1666):
This devastating fire highlighted the inadequacy of existing regulations. It led to proclamations requiring stone or brick construction and wider streets.
Post-Great Fire Legislation:
The Act for Rebuilding the City of London (1667) mandated brick or stone construction and limited the number of stories per house.
Fires Prevention (Metropolis) Act (1774):
This act established different building classes based on wall thickness and floor areas, and introduced fire ladders and surveyors.
18th and 19th Century Reforms:
The rise of urbanisation spurred the establishment of fire brigades and further legislation, such as the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Act of 1865.
20th Century Developments:
The Factories Act 1937 extended to cover means of escape in factories, introducing the first fire certificate. The Fire Services Act 1947 transferred fire safety responsibility to the Fire Brigade.
Fire Precautions Act 1971:
This act designated certain premises, like hotels and boarding houses, as requiring fire certificates.
Modern Regulations:
Fire safety regulations continue to evolve, with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005