The timber frame construction industry has hit back at the call last week from the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) for an urgent review of building regulations.

The trade body said the call demonstrated a lack of understanding about the role of building regulations, saying that it came at a time when the construction industry and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) “couldn’t be doing more” to improve fire safety standards.

“Building regulations are there to provide protection and quality assurance for the home owner once the home is complete,” said UK Timber Frame Association chairman, Geoff Arnold. “It’s important to note that building regulations are a generic standard that apply to all buildings regardless of construction type.

A fire destroyed a four-storey timber frame block earlier this month

“The Government would never change this approach and apply different standards for different build types because of the complication and potential dangers of categorising a building one thing, when in fact it is something else. Add to that the new and innovative build methods coming to market, the robust nature of building regulations would soon be compromised.

“The specific issue of fire risk management on construction sites and in [completed] homes is already dealt with way above and beyond Part B of the building regulations. The UKTFA, through its technical committee, has a significant role to play in influencing fire safety standards and we will continue to work with the HSE to make necessary improvements.”

Meanwhile, chief fire officer of Greater Manchester, Steve McGuirk, has reinforced the message from CFOA. Writing in his regular blog, he said that when under construction, timber frame buildings have “potentially major problems” if they catch fire.

“The speed of fire spread and the ferocity of the blaze makes this a very dangerous fire, and firefighters have little option but to adopt defensive firefighting (in simple terms remain outside). These partly constructed buildings are also prone to sudden collapse.

“We appreciate the desire for as little regulation as possible around citizens, but an overly zealous pursuit of this idea misses the reality that some things simply won't happen if there is no "requirement" for them - and builders and construction companies follow building regulations.”