My name is Ersin Smith, and I’m a fire engineer with 10 years of experience in the fire industry across testing, certification, auditing, and consultancy. I began as a Development Engineer at a fire-rated ductwork company, gaining hands-on experience in fire testing and certification with labs such as BRE, Warrington Fire, and Efectis. As I progressed into a senior role, I led testing programs, managed product approvals, and deepened my expertise in design and compliance.
I later joined BRE as a Certification Manager for fire-rated cables, overseeing product testing, approvals, and withdrawals. Moving to BRE’s passive fire protection auditing team, I conducted audits to LPS 1531, 1271, and 1197 standards on both offices and sites across the UK. Notable projects included Bank Station, KGX1, and the National Museum of Cardiff, providing valuable insight into passive fire protection systems in practice.
Most recently, I worked as a fire engineering consultant, producing Passive Fire Protection Forum assessments based on fire test evidence for non-standard installations. This role strengthened my ability to develop evidence-based, practical fire safety solutions.
My current role is Head of Fire Engineering at Earl Kendrick. The fire engineering department is new, so it is exciting to get involved with a growing team. A typical day for me when I’m not on site is mostly spent writing reports in-between meetings and assisting where possible either with advice within the company or dealing with new enquiries. If I am on site, it will typically involve fire compartmentation either as part of a survey or meeting with clients to give advice on specific issues.
The most challenging part is ensuring accuracy with any defect reporting and the final recommendations. For example, intrusive surveys on external walls systems which lead to Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall’s require clear and concise findings which will be used to determine the final risk ratings and any recommendations for remedial works if required.
I would also add that aligning different opinions when finding solutions can present a challenge. Everyone has a different appetite for risk and their own constraints within a set of guidelines and it’s important to always consider that any decisions will have an impact to different people for example building owners, property managers or residents. I have very little appetite for risk so this often can present challenges.
I enjoy knowing that the findings of any surveys I carry out or advice I give is going to be used to help people and contribute to improvements which will play a role in keeping people safe. I was speaking with my brother recently and he described it as ‘being a voice for people who don’t have one’ so it’s something I enjoy taking responsibility for.
Gaining the full membership with the IFE and the Incorporated Engineer title with the Engineering Council is something I’m proud of. It was in a way the tip of the iceberg and is built on top of everything else I have done.
I have always had an interest in engineering as a kid and enjoyed trying to fix things or generally finding a solution. Elastic bands, cello-tape and blue tac were used because they were the only things I could find where tools were needed, or better yet just replacement parts.
When I joined the passive fire protection auditors team at BRE my manager encouraged me to join the IFE and showed me the application process as an overall plan of increasing my competence. This encouragement was continued by my next manager, and I would say during this period I wanted to learn as much as possible. I also liked the idea of working towards something that is recognised and requires some effort.
More senior roles require a form of professional membership especially in fire engineering and I feel membership has certainly helped me in this way. Demonstrating competence is becoming more and more important and while professional memberships and accreditations form part of it, experience and knowledge are also important. Trying to get a good mix of both is always a great way to better yourself. I would also add that this process takes time, and while the benefits may not be immediate, you're continuously gaining experience and developing yourself — growth that stays with you, regardless of its immediate impact on your situation. I think that’s ultimately the most important and, in a way, the whole point of the process.
100%. In my opinion it’s the most professionally respected and recognised membership in the fire industry. Gaining the membership also takes some effort and can be challenging so I feel it is even more respected. I value it highly.
I always recommend looking into courses which give CPD hours. If there is anything that interests you there are usually courses and presentations that you can do for free. I would say learning is the most important thing you can do to better yourself and it will help you massively in your career as well.
I would also recommend not being put off if it seems like a daunting process. If you set aside even 15 minutes each week you’ll make good progress, even if it’s only a little bit at a time.
In the end I believe you gain a lot more than just adding a few letters after your name as I’ve heard people describe it. Going out of your way to do something to better yourself is always positive and ultimately, we are all helping each other. What you do today will more than likely help someone else tomorrow.