Merl Forrer

Senior Associate

Merl joined DFC in 2019, bringing with him over 24 years’ of professional experience in the operational, supervisory and regulatory environment from working at the Fire and Rescue Service as a Station Manager for Greater Manchester. He has worked in various operational and technical roles including fire behaviour, incident command and fire safety. Before joining DFC, he was the lead on external fire spread for the Greater Manchester High Rise Task Force, enforcing the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

His academic research for both bachelor’s and master’s dissertations focussed on the fire performance of externally thermally insulated cladding systems and the use of organic polymer foams. Through his research, experience and knowledge, Merl is well recognised for his expertise within the industry.

He represented the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) researching the fire performance of Aluminium Composite Panel systems for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. He represented NFCC on Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. Merl is also an active member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, conference speaker and works as a technical expert on a number of BSI and ISO committees developing national and international standards.

Qualifications: MEng (Hons), CEng, FIFireE, MSFPE, Bond Solon (CUBS) certified

Experience: 24 years

Specialist Expertise: External Fire Spread, Fire Regulations, Fire Service Access, Fire Safety, Expert Witness