Suspended engineer Adam Kiziak has come under serious scrutiny after accusations surfaced claiming he forged fire safety certificates for high-rise flats by using another engineer's credentials and signature without permission. The shocking revelations have left potential homebuyers and entire communities grappling with uncertainty and distress.
Kiziak, who was suspended by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in August 2024 for various professional malpractices, reportedly continued signing off fire safety certificates through his company, Tri Fire. This firm specializes in issuing EWS1 forms, key documents used to assess the fire safety of external walls on high-rise residential buildings. These certificates were introduced following the catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire, which resulted in 72 fatalities and underscored the dire need for stringent fire safety compliance.
According to analysis by the Building Safety Register, out of 1,139 EWS1 certificates signed off between March 2020 and the end of 2021, over 410 were issued by Tri Fire. This raises questions about the validity of these assessments, as many lenders, including NatWest and Nationwide, are now retracting mortgage offers for properties associated with Kiziak's firm.
Awwal Salisu, a qualified fire engineer based in Saudi Arabia, voiced his outrage at being unwittingly involved. Salisu entered an agreement with Tri Fire through a recruitment agency to oversee around 100 buildings. To his shock, he discovered various EWS1 forms bearing his signature and membership number, forms he'd never reviewed or approved. "I am very angry about it," Salisu stated. "I've had sleepless nights - my reputation is at stake." His unique electronic signature, which can be traced back to his laptop's IP address, ensures accountability, but it fails to alleviate the consequences of the alleged fraud.
The ramifications for homeowners have been significant. First-time buyer Sam Ireland expressed his disappointment and frustration, sharing how his mortgage offer was revoked when his lender identified the association with Tri Fire. "You feel completely powerless," he remarked, now left searching for another property and struggling to navigate the financial chaos thrown upon him.
This situation highlights broader systemic issues within the fire safety assessment process. EWS1 forms, signed by unqualified or unregistered individuals, complicate property transactions and threaten the structural integrity of high-rise living arrangements. Real estate agents and property owners are advised to communicate with managing agents and freeholders, seeking timely reassessments to secure valid certificates. Engaging with mortgage lenders and residents is also key to maintaining transparency and trust throughout this ordeal.
The IFE, currently investigating Kiziak's activities, declined to comment beyond confirming the suspension and its existence. Meanwhile, the government is under pressure to expedite the rectification of high-rise blocks with combustible cladding and related safety defects. This scandal sheds light on the need for vigilant regulations to safeguard vulnerable residents.
Experts believe the incident serves as a wake-up call for the sector. Property professionals must verify licensure and insurance of those conducting EWS1 assessments. Chartered Engineers or Chartered Surveyors with adequate experience should always perform these role-critical evaluations. Failure to adhere to these standards could lead to dire consequences, perpetuating the hazardous conditions many high-rise residents currently face.
The scale of potential fraud is concerning, with Tri Fire reportedly associated with over 60 blocks under the government’s Cladding Safety Scheme. Skepticism surrounding the legitimacy of assessments carried out by the firm has raised alarms about property safety standards nationwide.
Moving forward, scrutiny surrounding fire safety certifications will likely intensify. Homebuyers, lenders, and industry professionals must navigate this treacherous terrain with care to avert similar situations from arising. The stakes are high, as lives hang in the balance and the integrity of residential safety can never be compromised.