Concerns have been raised by mortgage lenders regarding Tri Fire, a fire engineering firm, following an investigation by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) into one of their employees, Adam Kiziak. After a hearing in August 2024, Mr. Kiziak was suspended from IFE membership for six months. As of 21st January 2025, this suspension has been extended indefinitely due to ongoing investigations. In response, some mortgage lenders have refused to accept EWS1 forms signed by Mr. Kiziak and, in some cases, have extended this rejection to all EWS1 forms issued by Tri Fire. The IFE’s formal decision on this matter is now publicly available and can be accessed here: https://www.ife.org.uk/Home/Useful-links/Complaints/Member-sanctions
Tetra’s Position
Tetra has never engaged Tri Fire to complete external wall reports or EWS1 forms on its behalf. However, we acknowledge that Tri Fire has undertaken a significant number of external wall assessments and EWS1 forms for our clients over the past five years. Given the concerns surrounding Tri Fire, we strongly encourage all clients to conduct a peer review of any Tri Fire EWS1 forms and external wall assessments to ensure they remain valid and acceptable to lenders. Where there is any doubt, we recommend commissioning a new EWS1 form or, if required, a PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction (FRAEW), conducted by a competent and qualified fire engineer.
For those requiring a new EWS1 form, a new FRAEW may not always be necessary, but the EWS1 should still be completed by a qualified and competent fire engineer to maintain lender confidence. While PAS 9980 provides a comprehensive methodology for assessing fire risk in external walls, the EWS1 form is designed specifically for valuation and lending purposes. PAS 9980 assessments can inform the EWS1 process, but they serve distinct functions.
Tetra’s Commitment
Tetra remains committed to supporting our clients through these challenges by providing robust, independent, and competent fire safety advice. Our priority is to ensure building safety, regulatory compliance, and the long-term interests of our clients and stakeholders.
For further guidance or support, please contact info@tetraconsulting.co.uk.