Open-air events draw large crowds in temporary or semi-permanent settings; so making robust fire safety planning is essential. The risks extend beyond fire alone, including crush injuries from panic or disorganised evacuation. Good preparation saves lives.
To DO’s
- Open-air venues must assess fire risks and prepare for emergencies with suitable procedures
- Include stall layouts, temporary structures, and crowd management in your plan
- Ensure all food vendors, traders and organisers apply adequate Fire Safety measures
Fire Risk Assessment
You must keep a written fire risk assessment. This should be:
- Reviewed regularly, especially if layouts or equipment changes
- Tailored to include open-air and temporary structures
- Individual stallholders or concessions occupying pitches at an event will need to produce their own FRAs
Applies to:
- Theme parks
- Zoos
- Music festivals & concerts
- Sporting events
- Fairgrounds, car boot sales, and other public gatherings
Fire Risk Assessment Guide for Open Air Events and Venues (gov.uk)
Emergency Plans
- Staff must know evacuation routes and crowd control procedures
- Clearly marked exits and signage are essential
- Emergency services access points must be maintained
- All of the above should be addressed in the Event Management Plan submitted to the local authority well in advance of the event
Fire Safety Signage and Wayfinding
Occupancy Calculations
You are responsible for calculating safe occupancy figures. Overcrowding increases the risk of injury in emergencies.
Calculating Occupancy Figures
Food & Trade Stall Safety
- Fire Risk Assessment for Food Concessions (gov.uk)
- Fire Risk Assessment for Traders and Market Stalls
Additional Event Safety Resources
Quick Links
- Fire Risk Assessment for Open-Air Events & Venues .Gov
- Signage
Tools
- Fire risk assessment template
- Calculating Occupancy Figures