Fire Safety Updates 2025
New Standards & Sprinkler Requirements in Residential & Care Homes
A major update in 2025 is the implementation of BS 9991:2024, which specifies fire safety requirements for the design, management, and use of residential buildings, including care homes. This standard introduces more comprehensive performance classifications and covers a broader range of fire types. Notably, it now explicitly includes residential care homes, with strengthened rules around building design and management. Among these, the installation of sprinkler systems in all newly built care homes is now mandatory, reflecting enhanced protection for vulnerable occupants.
Fire Alarm & Furniture Regulations – What’s New for 2025
On 30 April 2025, the UK formally withdrew BS 5839-1:2017 and replaced it with BS 5839-1:2025 for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings, including care homes, offices, schools, and more. The updated standard brings fresh technical requirements on alarm design, zones, and system integration, so ensure your fire alarms comply.
Another significant change: the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 will come into effect on 30 October 2025. Key updates include:
Exempting many baby and children’s products (e.g., cots, pushchairs, play mats, small mattresses) from the flammability rules, recognizing lower ignition risks.
Removing the requirement for a “swing label” on new products—though permanent compliance labels are still mandatory.
Extending the timeframe for initiating enforcement actions from 6 to 12 months—giving businesses longer to resolve non-compliance issues.
Approved Document B Amendments & Building Compliance
The official UK guidance Approved Document B (Fire Safety) has been comprehensively updated for 2025—and beyond—with amendments published throughout this year. Significant changes include:
Mandatory sprinkler systems in all new care homes—reinforcing the prioritisation of fire suppression technologies.
The withdrawal of outdated national fire test classes (e.g., BS 476) to make way for the European BS EN 13501 standard—a move toward greater consistency and modern safety benchmarks.
Enhanced fire safety information requirements to improve clarity and accountability for those responsible for building safety.
Need Help Navigating Fire Safety 2025? Contact Us
Fire safety regulations in 2025 are evolving quickly—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re here to simplify it for you. At The Fire Safety Guys, we stay ahead of regulatory changes so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re updating alarm systems to BS 5839-1:2025, installing sprinklers in a new care home, or needing guidance on new Approved Document B requirements—we’ve got you covered. Our specialists deliver audits, risk assessments, compliance plans, and installations tailored to current standards.
Get in touch today to ensure your building is not just compliant—but confidently safe.