This paper examines the longstanding fragmentation of fire research in the UK, arguing that the core problem is not a lack of research or expertise but the absence of sustained mechanisms to connect, curate, challenge and learn from knowledge across the fire safety system. Drawing on evidence from decades of reviews, reforms, major incidents and post-Grenfell analysis, it presents fire safety as a complex socio-technical system in which science, engineering, testing, regulation, human factors and operational learning are interdependent. The paper concludes that meaningful consolidation requires independent, neutral stewardship, continuity, cross-sector integration, shared understanding and greater visibility of uncertainty, rather than simply more research, funding or centralised control.
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