This leaflet is intended to familiarise building owners and occupiers with the issues surrounding the consequences of loss of built heritage due to the effects of fire. It explains, in outline, what creates a fire risk and how: fires develop; to reduce risk through identifying the constituent parts of a fire; fire safety management can assist in addressing the problem; suppression and detection systems can impact on the issue; creating separate zones in a building (compartmentation) is essential. Finally, it reveals how a recent initiative in conjunction with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services is being developed to assist fire-fighters deal with future fire incidents at historic buildings.