From 1975 to Today: The ASFP’s Journey

For 50 years, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has been at the forefront of passive fire protection, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding life, property, and infrastructure. Established in 1975, the ASFP was founded to promote the highest standards in the protection of structural steelwork. Over the decades, it has evolved to support most, if not all, areas of passive fire protection, driving advancements in best practices, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks.

This milestone anniversary is a moment of immense pride for the ASFP team, Council, and members. It reflects not only on the Association’s past achievements but also on the growing influence, reach, and value that ASFP brings to its members and the wider industry.

Laying the Foundations: The Early Years (1975 to 1990s) When ASFP was founded, fire safety was often an afterthought in construction, with limited industry-wide regulation or enforcement. Recognising the urgent need for an organisation dedicated to advocating for passive fire protection, ASFP began collaborating with manufacturers, contractors, and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide best practices.

During this period, ASFP laid the groundwork for a technically driven approach to fire safety, emphasising independently tested and certified fire protection products rather than unverified solutions. The introduction of third party certification became a major focus, ensuring that fire protection systems met rigorous performance criteria, setting a new industry benchmark for accountability and compliance.

A Growing Force in Fire Safety (2000s to 2010s)

By the early 2000s, ASFP had firmly established itself as a leading authority in passive fire protection. As fire safety regulations evolved, the Association played a key role in shaping changes to British Standards (BS 476, BS EN 1366) and new fire safety legislation. Working closely with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders, ASFP actively influenced modern fire protection requirements in building design and construction.

Throughout this period, ASFP also expanded its technical guidance and training programmes, reinforcing its role as an educational leader.

The introduction of the ASFP Colour Books provided comprehensive technical reference materials for fire protection professionals, helping to ensure correct product selection, installation, and maintenance. These resources became essential tools for specifiers, contractors, and regulatory bodies, cementing ASFP’s reputation as a driving force behind industry best practices.

ASFP’s membership base also expanded significantly, reflecting its growing influence. While historically focused on manufacturers, installers, and certification bodies, ASFP introduced new membership groups for glazing specialists, digital data providers, fire door manufacturers, material and component suppliers, and principal contractors and designers. This expansion reinforced ASFP’s commitment to fostering collaboration across all areas of passive fire protection, ensuring every part of the supply chain is represented.

The ASFP Flame: A Recognised Symbol of Quality

As ASFP’s reputation grew, so did the recognition of its brand and industry leadership. The ASFP flame became more than just a logo - it became a trusted mark of compliance, quality, and technical excellence.

For companies displaying the ASFP flame, it signified third-party certification, adherence to the highest fire safety standards, and a commitment to industry best practice. This unwavering focus on quality assurance gave building owners, contractors, and regulatory bodies confidence that ASFP-certified fire protection systems met the most stringent safety requirements.

Today, the ASFP flame remains a powerful symbol of trust and integrity in the industry, reflecting the Association’s long-standing commitment to raising fire safety standards and improving regulatory compliance.

A New Era: Fire Safety in the 2020s and Beyond

The fire safety industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with increased scrutiny on building safety, competency frameworks, and enforcement of fire protection standards. The introduction of the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act placed greater emphasis on accountability and compliance, with ASFP at the heart of these discussions, providing technical guidance and industry expertise.

ASFP continues to drive high-quality training, formal qualifications, and professional development, ensuring that fire safety professionals remain equipped to meet evolving industry demands. The need for properly trained, competent individuals has never been greater, and ASFP is committed to ensuring that fire protection systems are correctly designed, installed, and maintained.

Looking ahead, ASFP is also addressing emerging challenges such as sustainability and fire safety, digital transformation, data-driven compliance, and evolving construction methods and materials. The industry must adapt to these changes, and ASFP will continue to be a leading voice, ensuring that passive fire protection remains a fundamental part of building safety.

Celebrating 50 Years and Looking to the Future

As ASFP marks its 50th anniversary in 2025, it reflects on five decades of innovation, collaboration and leadership. From its early days advocating for fire safety in construction, to becoming the leading trade association for passive fire protection, ASFP has consistently pushed boundaries to drive progress.

This milestone is not just a celebration of the past, it is a commitment to the future. ASFP’s mission remains stronger than ever, producing tangible value-adding output that benefits members, the wider industry, and everyone who lives, works, and plays in the built environment.

The ASFP flame will continue to shine, not just as a mark of compliance but as a symbol of excellence, integrity, and responsibility. Fire safety is not just about regulations. It is a shared commitment to protecting lives and ensuring safer buildings for future generations.

With 50 years of achievements behind it and a strong vision for the future, ASFP remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards, promoting education and competency, and driving continuous improvement in passive fire protection. The journey continues, and ASFP is ready for the next 50 years.