My name is Tracy O’Rourke, and I am a fire safety professional currently based in Dublin. I hold the TIFireE designation with the Institution of Fire Engineers, which reflects my professional competency and ongoing commitment to the field of fire engineering. Over the past 20 years, I’ve developed extensive expertise in both passive and active fire protection, focusing on compliance and fire safety, design input, and strategic fire safety planning. My career has combined hands-on project delivery and advisory roles, supporting a wide range of sectors to ensure robust fire protection systems and regulatory compliance.
In my current role as Estimating Manager for Elta Ireland, I lead a team of four, working closely on projects from tender stage through to completion. My day-to-day responsibilities include analysing project specifications, fire strategies, fire cert drawings, wall types, and other technical documentation to prepare accurate and compliant estimates.
I regularly collaborate with design teams, project managers, and suppliers to ensure that proposed solutions align with both fire safety requirements and commercial expectations. A typical day can involve reviewing tender documents, identifying fire-stopping requirements, coordinating pricing, and ensuring our submissions meet all relevant standards and client needs.
Yes, particularly when working with a wide range of buildings — from older premises to more complex environments like data centres. Data centres pose unique challenges due to their critical operations, high equipment loads, and strict requirements around fire protection and business continuity.
Balancing compliance with practical constraints often requires creative solutions and close collaboration. Keeping up with evolving legislation and changing industry expectations is also a constant part of the role.
What I enjoy most is knowing that the work I do has a direct impact on protecting lives and ensuring safer environments. I also enjoy the variety—no two days or buildings are the same—and the opportunity to collaborate with different professionals to deliver safe, practical outcomes. Solving complex challenges and seeing a project through from assessment to implementation is especially rewarding.
One achievement I’m particularly proud of is successfully completing the Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection. Balancing professional responsibilities while pursuing further study was a significant challenge, but it strengthened my technical understanding and reinforced my commitment to raising standards in fire safety compliance. This qualification has already enhanced my work in passive fire risk assessments and inspections. I’m now planning to further my education with formal studies in fire engineering, which will allow me to deepen my expertise and continue progressing in my career.
My inspiration came primarily from a strong passion for compliance and doing things right within the fire safety industry. I’ve always been driven by the importance of ensuring that buildings and systems meet the correct standards — not just to satisfy regulations, but to genuinely protect lives. Fire safety appealed to me because of its real-world consequences and the responsibility it carries. The opportunity to work in a field where attention to detail, technical understanding, and regulatory knowledge all come together to make a tangible difference really motivated me to pursue this path.
I wanted to be recognised by a respected professional body and benchmark my knowledge and experience against industry standards. Gaining Technician membership with the IFE was a way of demonstrating my competence and commitment to professional development. It also helped build my confidence in the quality of work I deliver.
Being an IFE member has expanded my professional network and given me access to valuable technical resources, CPD opportunities, and up-to-date industry knowledge. It has also added credibility to my work and reassured clients and employers that I adhere to recognised standards and ethical practice. On a personal level, it’s helped me feel more connected to the wider fire safety profession.
Yes, I currently serve as the Branch Secretary for the IFE Republic of Ireland branch. In this role, I help coordinate branch activities, support the organisation of CPD events, manage communications, and ensure the smooth operation of branch meetings and initiatives. Being part of the branch committee allows me to contribute to the development of the profession locally, engage with members across various sectors, and promote continuous learning and networking opportunities. It’s a rewarding way to give back to the fire safety community and stay closely connected to emerging issues and innovations in the field.
Absolutely. The IFE offers a professional structure, access to technical expertise, and a supportive network that helps you grow and stay current in your field. Whether you're starting out or looking to formalise your experience, membership provides recognition and resources that are incredibly valuable.
Start the process early and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Document your experience as you go and seek feedback from peers or mentors who are already members. The IFE is there to support you, not judge you, and the process of applying helps you reflect on your professional growth. It’s a worthwhile step for anyone serious about their fire safety career.