Engineering
Fire
Fire engineering is an increasingly critical discipline within New Zealand’s construction industry. High-profile international events have reinforced the importance of robust fire design, balancing life safety, compliance, and architectural freedom.
Qualified Fire Engineers
Kirk Roberts’ fire engineering team brings extensive experience across residential, commercial, industrial, and large-scale developments. We work closely with clients and design teams from the earliest project stages to identify risks, unlock opportunities, and develop efficient, buildable fire design strategies.
By integrating fire engineering early, we help streamline design, reduce rework, and deliver practical solutions that support both compliance and usability.
Our team includes Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng) and Auckland Council Producer Statement authors. We are experienced across New Zealand Building Code pathways, including Acceptable Solutions (C/AS1, C/AS2), Verification Method (C/VM2), and performance-based alternative solutions.
Advanced Fire Modelling Capability
We offer advanced fire and evacuation modelling using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Pathfinder, enabling detailed simulation of fire, smoke movement, and occupant evacuation in complex buildings.
This capability allows us to move beyond simplified design methods and develop optimised, performance-based solutions—supporting greater design flexibility, improved safety outcomes, and potential cost efficiencies.
FDS modelling is particularly suited to:
- Multi-level buildings with open atrium spaces
- Shopping centres and large retail environments
- Auditoriums and theatres
- Sports facilities and event centres
- Large or complex warehouse developments
Pathfinder evacuation modelling supports projects with high occupant loads or complex egress conditions, including high-rise and public assembly buildings.
Talk to our fire engineering team early to explore how advanced modelling can support your project outcomes.
Client Feedback
“We engaged KR to design a commercial industrial project for us….The design and engineering quote and scope of works was spot on. Reporting was excellent throughout the project. The builder appreciated the detail and thought that went into the drawings. We are delighted with the result. KR’s part of the project was one of the high points. If you are looking for a design and engineering partner for your next project, I highly recommend the KR team.”
Shaker Investment Trust – Shane McConnell
Our services include
Fire engineering reports for building consents (Building Act Sections 17, 112, 115, 116)
Fire and smoke modelling (FDS, B-RISK) and evacuation modelling (Pathfinder)
Construction monitoring
Firefighting water supply assessments and FENZ liaison
Fire engineering advice for subdivisions, change of use, relocations, and developments
Fire design using NZBC Acceptable Solutions (C/AS1, C/AS2)
Peer review and producer statements (PS2, PS4)
Fire protection system design (sprinklers, alarms, hydrants, suppression systems)
Due diligence and fire safety reviews
Certificate of Public Use (CPU) advice
Fire engineering projects
Sudima Kaikōura – 2023 New Zealand Property Industry Awards – Excellence
Padel Club NZ, Tauranga – Multi-disciplinary design management for sports and recreation project in Tauranga
Wildfire Assessment, Wanaka – Development of a specialised wildfire risk assessment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fire Engineering
What building works require a fire design?
All new building work in New Zealand is required to demonstrate compliance with the New Zealand Building Code, including the fire safety requirements set out in Clauses C1–C6 (Protection from Fire). As a result, fire design inputs are typically required for all new construction and for any alterations to existing buildings that affect fire safety performance. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Passive fire or fire rating remediation.
- Installation of new external wall cladding systems (i.e. re-clad projects).
- Tenancy reconfigurations
- Building services upgrades or re-servicing (e.g. HVAC, electrical, Fire protection)
- Seismic strengthening
- Tenancy subdivisions and building subdivision
- Changes in legal title (e.g. unit title subdivision)
- Change of use under the Building Act 2004
In each of these cases, a fire design report is necessary to confirm that the building, as modified, continues to comply with the fire-related provisions of the Building Code — whether through the use of Acceptable Solutions or via a performance-based Alternative Solution approach.
What are the fire separation and compartmentation requirements between adjoining terraced units?
Minimum 30 minutes fire resistance rating between units, with construction details and fire stopping to control the spread of fire and smoke between units. There are a number of construction methods and fire rated systems for inter-tenancy fire walls and with their pros and cons.
What types of external claddings are permitted in NZBC for terraced units?
Traditional timber cladding and fibre cement claddings are permitted, alongside the more modern PVC cladding, and aluminium cladding. If the cladding system incorporated a foamed plastic insulation core, it requires to pass the specific fire tests for surface finishes and combustibility.
What are the escape route requirements for terraced units?
All units are required to have an independent exit. External escape routes are required to situate 2 m from the buildings unless alterative egress directions are available.
