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Why Buildings Fail Fire Inspections Now (And Didn't Before) - Passive Fire Protection for Buildings

Writer's picture: Damyn BlindellDamyn Blindell

Updated: Jun 3, 2024


Have you ever wondered why your building, which passed inspections for years, suddenly failed a fire inspection? It can be frustrating and confusing, especially when it means unexpected costs. In this blog, we’ll shed some light on why this happens and why investing in proper passive fire protection is worth it, particularly in Auckland.


Inspector performing a fire safety inspection in Auckland, checking for compliance with passive fire protection and Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) standards

One reason buildings might fail inspections now is that fire inspections are more thorough than they used to be. In the past, some fire safety inspectors might have missed issues due to a lack of training or experience. Nowadays, fire safety inspectors are often better educated and more diligent, meaning they catch things that were previously overlooked.


Older buildings often fail fire safety inspections because they have outdated or non-existent fire protection measures. When these buildings were constructed, regulations were less strict, and sometimes passive fire protection was poorly done or skipped altogether. As buildings age, these deficiencies become more apparent and problematic.


Investing in passive fire protection might seem costly upfront, but it has significant long-term benefits:


  1. Reduced Risk of Fire Damage: Proper passive fire protection can prevent a fire from spreading, reducing the risk of severe damage to your building.

  2. Increased Safety for Occupants: A well-protected building is safer for everyone inside in the event of a fire.

  3. Lower Liability: As a building owner or manager, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your property. Proper passive fire protection reduces your liability in case of a fire.

  4. Cost Savings in the Long Run: While the initial costs might seem high, effective passive fire protection can save you money by preventing extensive fire damage and potentially lowering insurance premiums.

  5. Insurance Claims: Inadequate passive fire protection could result in an insurance claim being denied altogether in the event of a fire.


We’ve helped many building owners bring their properties up to code in Auckland. Often, they initially just want to address the specific issues found in the fire inspection. However, we offer a free detailed inspection to identify other potential risks. We explain these issues clearly, helping owners understand the importance of fixing them.


We understand the financial strain of unexpected repair costs. That’s why we suggest a phased approach:


  1. Immediate Compliance: We help you address the inspection failures right away to get your building compliant.

  2. Future Planning: We provide a detailed report with recommendations, allowing you to plan and budget for further improvements at your convenience.

  3. Affordable Options: We always strive to offer the most cost-effective solutions to meet compliance without breaking the bank.


While it can be frustrating to deal with failed fire inspections, understanding the reasons behind them and investing in proper passive fire protection is crucial. Not only does it ensure the safety of your building and its occupants, but it also protects your investment in the long run.


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