Skip to content
HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland
  • Home
  • About us
    • About us
    • What we do
    • Our team
    • Our values
    • Our history
  • Our scrutiny
    • Our scrutiny
    • Inspection process
    • Service Delivery Area inspections
    • Local Area inspections
    • Thematic inspections
    • Other Focused Inspections
    • Significant events
    • Non-domestic fire safety
  • Publications
  • Contact
  1. Home
  2. Our scrutiny
  3. Significant events
  • Inspection process
  • Service Delivery Area inspections
  • Local Area inspections
  • Thematic inspections
  • Other Focused Inspections
  • Significant events
  • Non-domestic fire safety

Investigation of Significant Incidents and Unplanned Events

We have written a policy outlining our approach to conducting an inquiry into a significant incident, that is, an incident the circumstances or outcomes of which are likely to attract public interest or concern. Generally speaking, we will not commence an inquiry into a significant incident where this would substantially duplicate work being done by other bodies. We reserve the right, however, to undertake our own inquiry where this would bring benefits that would not be realised by other investigations. We will always consult with bodies holding statutory responsibility for investigating the circumstances, before deciding to carry out a significant incident inquiry.

From time to time, the Inspectorate expects to respond to unplanned events whether under the description of ‘significant incident’ or otherwise (this may include instances where Scottish Ministers direct the Chief Inspector to carry out an inquiry). The Inspectorate may be in a position to deal with such an inquiry with existing staff and resources, or may need to take on additional support for the duration of the work. In any case, the staffing and work of the Inspectorate is intended to be sufficiently flexible to allow for an appropriate response.

Accessibility
Data Protection
Freedom of Information
Cookie Policy
Site Map
© 2025 HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland

We use the necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. These will be set only if you accept.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookie Policy.