Fire safety isn’t something you can take shortcuts with. A single fire can endanger lives, destroy personal property, and cause lasting damage to your strata building.

That’s why NSW law requires strict fire safety compliance—and why proactive strata management makes all the difference.

What Is an Annual Fire Safety Statement?

In NSW, most buildings must lodge an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) with their local council. This is not just red tape—it’s a legal requirement under Regulation 175 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

An AFSS confirms that:

• All essential fire safety measures have been tested by a qualified person
• Each measure meets the required standard in the building’s fire safety schedule
• The building itself has been inspected and is in safe working order

The statement must be lodged annually with council and displayed on the strata notice board.

Who Can Complete the Statement?

Only a properly qualified fire safety contractor can prepare and sign the AFSS.

It is not the responsibility of:

• Strata committee members
• The owners corporation
• The strata manager

Metro Strata cannot—and should not—sign off on fire safety. Our role is to engage qualified contractors who have the expertise and accreditation to confirm compliance.

Why It Matters

Skipping fire safety obligations isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. Failure to lodge an AFSS can result in significant fines from council and, more importantly, leave residents exposed to unnecessary danger.

Imagine a fire where sprinklers or alarms fail because they weren’t properly tested. The consequences could be catastrophic—not only for property but for lives.

Metro Strata’s Proactive Approach

At Metro Strata, we take fire safety seriously by:

• Engaging suitably qualified fire contractors on behalf of our clients
• Ensuring fire systems in both common areas and individual units are tested regularly
• Managing timelines so the AFSS is lodged with council on time every year
• Keeping clear records for committee peace of mind

Our proactive process means you don’t need to worry about compliance slipping through the cracks.

Final Word

Fire safety is too important to leave to chance. With the right systems, contractors, and oversight, you can protect your building, your property, and—most importantly—the lives of residents.