Adam Kiziak: The Fire Safety Engineer Whose Case Shook the UK Building Industry
In recent years, few names have stirred as much discussion in the United Kingdom’s building safety sector as Adam Kiziak. A once-respected fire safety engineer, Kiziak became the focus of national headlines after being expelled from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) for serious professional misconduct. His case has raised deep questions about professional accountability, the integrity of safety certifications, and the consequences of widespread trust placed in a single professional’s expertise.
This article explores the story of Adam Kiziak — his background, the controversy surrounding his company Tri Fire Ltd, the impact on property owners and residents, and the lessons the industry must learn.
Who Is Adam Kiziak?
Background and Career
Adam Kiziak was a chartered fire safety engineer who built his career through his company, Tri Fire Ltd, offering consultancy services across the UK. His firm specialized in EWS1 forms, fire risk assessments, and external wall system surveys, crucial for determining the fire safety status of high-rise buildings.
Following the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, the UK government introduced stricter safety regulations. Engineers like Kiziak found themselves in high demand, as thousands of buildings required urgent safety assessments. This demand positioned him as a key player in the industry — responsible for certifying whether external cladding met safety standards.
The Rise of Tri Fire Ltd
Tri Fire quickly became one of the more visible companies in the post-Grenfell fire safety landscape. It carried out assessments for hundreds of residential buildings, issuing thousands of EWS1 forms that mortgage lenders relied upon to approve property sales. For a time, Tri Fire was seen as an efficient and reliable service provider. However, beneath the surface, issues began to emerge about the accuracy and authenticity of its assessments.
The Controversy Surrounding Adam Kiziak
Allegations of Misconduct
In 2024, reports surfaced suggesting that Adam Kiziak and his company had allegedly produced a high number of EWS1 certificates — some without sufficient inspection or verification. The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) launched an investigation into his conduct.
Among the key allegations were:
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Signing EWS1 forms without personally inspecting sites.
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Using another engineer’s professional credentials without authorization.
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Operating without valid Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance for certain projects.
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Producing documentation that may not have met industry competence standards.
Suspension and Expulsion
After several months of investigation, the IFE suspended Kiziak in 2024 and officially expelled him in early 2025. The organization described the findings as “unprecedented in seriousness,” citing breaches of ethics and professional responsibility.
The expulsion meant that Kiziak could no longer represent himself as a qualified member of the IFE, a move that sent shockwaves through the property and lending industries. Thousands of buildings that had relied on his certifications were now left in a state of uncertainty.
The Impact on Property Owners and Residents
Mortgage and Lending Problems
One of the most immediate consequences of the Kiziak case was the reaction of mortgage lenders. Banks and building societies began to reject EWS1 forms signed by Adam Kiziak or Tri Fire Ltd. For thousands of leaseholders, this meant that their homes became “unsellable” — effectively trapping them in properties that could no longer be sold or remortgaged until a new assessment was completed.
Residents expressed frustration and fear, as many had purchased their homes based on what they believed were valid safety certifications. Now, they faced the cost and uncertainty of commissioning new surveys, often at their own expense.
Reassessment and Legal Concerns
Building owners, managing agents, and freeholders were advised to review all documentation signed by Tri Fire Ltd. Many began commissioning independent re-assessments, following updated standards such as PAS 9980:2022, which governs fire risk appraisals of external walls.
The legal implications are still evolving. Questions remain over liability — whether property owners, developers, or Kiziak’s former clients bear responsibility for rectifying flawed certifications.
Industry Reaction and Broader Lessons
The Fire Safety Sector Under Scrutiny
The Adam Kiziak case exposed vulnerabilities in how the fire safety industry operates. In the rush to comply with post-Grenfell requirements, the market became flooded with consultants and assessors, many of whom lacked sufficient oversight. The absence of a central regulatory framework for verifying competence allowed inconsistencies to flourish.
Professionals within the field have since called for:
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Tighter licensing and accreditation for fire engineers.
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Mandatory insurance requirements to protect building owners.
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Audits and random checks on EWS1 forms to ensure quality control.
The Challenge of Trust and Competence
The public’s trust in professionals like Adam Kiziak is fundamental to the safety system. His expulsion serves as a reminder that technical expertise must be paired with transparency and ethical responsibility. It also highlights how a single individual’s misconduct can have national repercussions — affecting thousands of homeowners and millions of pounds in property value.
What Happens Next?
Tri Fire Ltd and Ongoing Repercussions
Although Tri Fire Ltd remains listed as an active company, its reputation has been severely damaged. The firm is reportedly no longer taking on new fire safety work, and many of its past reports are being re-evaluated by independent experts.
Industry observers predict that lenders will continue to reject certificates associated with the company until full clarity is restored. Some affected homeowners are exploring legal remedies, including compensation claims against the firm for negligence and misrepresentation.
A Turning Point for Building Safety
The Adam Kiziak case has become a turning point in the ongoing effort to rebuild public confidence in building safety. It underscores the need for:
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Greater regulation and monitoring of private fire safety consultants.
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A national register of competent assessors who meet strict standards.
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Transparent communication between fire engineers, managing agents, and residents.
Conclusion
The story of Adam Kiziak is not just about one engineer’s downfall; it is a reflection of systemic weaknesses within the UK’s fire safety framework. It demonstrates the consequences of inadequate oversight and the dangers of overreliance on individual certification in a highly sensitive field.
For thousands of leaseholders, the aftermath continues — facing uncertainty, stress, and financial strain. Yet, the exposure of these issues may also pave the way for stronger reforms that prevent similar failures in the future.
The name Adam Kiziak will likely remain synonymous with one of the most significant wake-up calls in modern British building safety — a case that reminds both professionals and regulators of the critical importance of ethics, accuracy, and accountability in safeguarding lives and homes.
