The Northern Ireland Branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has held a successful Heritage Fire Day at Castle Ward, drawing a strong turnout from across the fire safety, conservation and heritage sectors.
The one-day event explored the complex challenges of protecting historic buildings from fire while maintaining their character and integrity. Set within the 18th-century National Trust property, the session featured four expert speakers who shared professional insight into fire risk management for heritage assets.
Opening the event, fire engineer Mabel Higgins discussed Historical Building and Compliance with Legislation, drawing on more than two decades of experience in both public and private construction sectors.
She was followed by Andrew Nicholson, a chartered fire engineer with over 25 years of experience, who presented How to Develop a Fire Strategy for a Heritage Building. His address underlined the importance of detailed risk assessments, effective stakeholder engagement and sympathetic interventions to preserve architectural heritage.
Tony Burridge, Operational Risk Business Partner for Fire Wales and Northern Ireland, then outlined how the National Trust manages fire safety across its extensive property portfolio. His presentation highlighted the operational complexity of safeguarding a mix of residential, commercial and historic sites.
Concluding the event, Steve Emery of Heritage Fire Consultancy delivered Extinction Alert – The Nuts and Bolts of Historic Doors, examining the essential role of timber doors in fire protection and the balance between preservation and performance.
Delegates used the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and reinforce the need for collaborative solutions in the protection of heritage properties.
The Institution of Fire Engineers represents members globally across 35 branches, delivering events, webinars and CPD opportunities for professionals in the fire safety sector.
For details on upcoming events, visit www.ife.org.uk/events.
