Threat from Fire

Introduction

Fire and smoke alone can provide a lethal mix, causing harm to people, premeditated damage to property, or a combination of both. Starting fires can be relatively easy and may require limited planning and preparation. The materials needed can be readily and easily obtained. However, a successful attack is likely to require detailed planning and involve capable attackers.

Fire may be used as part of a wide range of threat types. However, the guidance provided here is focused against the specific threats associated with the following:

• Terrorists conducting attacks that combine the use of fire with other attack methods, known as a Fire as a Weapon (FAW) attack. 
• Saboteurs conducting acts of Fire As an Act of Sabotage (FAAS) that is likely to be conducted for, on behalf of, or for the benefit of a hostile state actor or a range of other malicious actors.

Guidance is provided as to steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with both threats. Much of the guidance is shared between both documents. However, each document highlights the particular issues associated with each specific threat.

Fire as a Weapon

FAW is likely to be employed in one or more of the following ways:

• Used as a distraction tactic which will draw the attention or response of security officers, which may allow vulnerabilities to be exploited, e.g. attackers may enter a building while security officers are focused on the fire
• Augment other attack method(s) (bladed weapons, firearms etc) and so cause injury or damage to property, through the use of accelerants e.g. petrol bombs (aka Molotov cocktails) or other incendiary methods.
• Trigger a fire evacuation which might cause people to become vulnerable to an attack.
• Causing disruption or delay with the intent of preventing or restricting emergency responders confronting the attackers, carrying out lifesaving operations and extinguishing the fire.

Guidance

A guidance document has been developed in collaboration with the Home Office, National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The document highlights ways to mitigate the risks posed by terrorists conducting attacks that combine the use of fire with other attack methods, known as a Fire as a Weapon (FAW) attack.

Fire As an Act of Sabotage

FASS is likely to be:

• An attack method conducted for, on behalf of, or for the benefit of a hostile state actor or other malicious actors.
• Focused against a predetermined target that has been identified for a specific reason.
• Intended to stop or disrupt the operation of the site as a result of damage or destruction to the site, it’s infrastructure or intimidation of those operating at the site.
• Unlikely to be intended to cause death or injury and, therefore, more likely to take place during the silent hours when the site is likely to be empty or sparsely occupied.

Guidance

A guidance document has been developed in consultation with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB). The document adopts the same approach as that within the FAW guidance.