If you’ve received a Fire Order from your local council, your first instinct might be to panic.  After all, these orders typically come with strict deadlines, compliance requirements, and the potential for hefty costs. But what if I told you that a Fire Order can actually be an opportunity—one that adds value to your property while improving safety?

Instead of treating it as just another compliance headache, here’s how you can turn a Fire Order into a strategic advantage.

1️. Understand the Fire Order and Your Obligations

A Fire Order is issued when a building is non-compliant with fire safety regulations—whether due to outdated fire systems, missing safety measures, or structural risks. The first step is to understand exactly what’s required:
✅ What needs to be upgraded or installed?
✅ What’s the deadline for compliance?
✅ Are there alternative ways to meet the requirements?

Tip: Engage a fire safety consultant early to assess your options. They can help determine if there are more cost-effective ways to meet compliance without unnecessary overhauls.

2️. Use the Fire Order as a Negotiation Tool

A Fire Order isn’t just a cost—it’s a negotiation opportunity. Consider:

• Insurance Benefits – Upgrading fire safety systems can sometimes lead to reduced insurance premiums. Check with your insurer!
• Building Upgrades – If you’re already doing fire safety work, consider whether it makes sense to bundle in other improvements (e.g., energy-efficient lighting, accessibility upgrades).
• Contractor Pricing Leverage – When dealing with multiple required upgrades, bulk work can mean better pricing from contractors.

Tip: Use competitive tendering to get the best price—don’t just accept the first quote you receive.

3️. Fire Orders Can Help You Bypass a DA

Here’s a game-changer: a Fire Order can actually help you bypass a Development Application (DA).

If the required fire upgrades are deemed to be a necessary improvement for safety, this can often be classified as Complying Development—bypassing the need for a full DA process. This means:
✅ No lengthy approval process
✅ No objections phase
✅ Faster turnaround and cost savings

In short, if your fire safety work is linked to a Fire Order, it can save you both time and money by removing the need for a DA—provided your work complies with fire safety regulations and is deemed “exempt” or “complying.” As always get professional advice.

4️. Consider How This Affects Property Value

Upgraded fire safety measures increase property value and appeal to buyers and tenants. A compliant building is:
🔥 Safer and more insurable
🏢 More attractive to potential buyers
📈 Likely to retain long-term value better

If you manage a strata or commercial building, these upgrades could even justify higher rents or levies, as they improve safety and reduce risk.

5️. Plan for the Long Term

Fire Orders don’t just require immediate fixes—they set a standard for ongoing compliance. Take this as a chance to:
🔍 Implement a fire maintenance plan to prevent future Fire Orders
💼 Train building managers on fire compliance
📊 Digitise fire safety records for easier future audits

 Tip: A proactive approach to fire safety means fewer surprises down the track.

Final Thoughts

Yes, a Fire Order can be stressful and expensive—but it doesn’t have to be just a burden. By strategically approaching compliance, you can turn it into an opportunity to:
✔ Enhance your property’s safety and value
✔ Leverage negotiations to reduce costs
✔ Future-proof your building against compliance issues
✔ Bypass a DA and save time and money

Did you know that a good Project Manager can call the issuing authority and take on the issues on your behalf?

Have you ever dealt with a Fire Order? What lessons did you learn from the process? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#FireOrder #DevelopmentApplication