How can I effectively prepare my business for seasonal fire hazards?
How can I effectively prepare my business for seasonal fire hazards? In this guide you will learn practical, legal and proportionate steps to reduce seasonal risks, update your fire risk assessment and keep staff and customers safe during higher-risk periods such as winter heating, the festive season and hot, dry summers.
Why seasonal fire risks matter for your business
Seasonal changes can change the likelihood and consequences of a fire. Decorations, temporary displays, extra stock, portable heaters and increased footfall all raise risk. In dry weather, outdoor waste and barbecues can create wildfire threats near premises. As the responsible person, you must assess and manage these changing hazards to meet legal duties and to protect life. See guidance from gov.uk.
Start with a focused seasonal review of your fire risk assessment
To prepare my business for seasonal fire hazards I begin with a targeted review of the fire risk assessment. The law requires that assessments are suitable and sufficient and that they are reviewed whenever circumstances change. Therefore, treat seasonal plans as a formal trigger to revisit and record your findings. A short addendum may be sufficient for minor changes, but substantial seasonal activity often needs a fuller review. Guidance is available from gov.uk.
Practical steps for the review
Identify what will change: displays, stock levels, staff numbers, opening hours and temporary cooking or heating.
Reassess who is especially at risk: include night staff and visitors unfamiliar with the layout.
Check means of escape: ensure fire doors and emergency lighting remain effective under new layouts.
Record the review and actions taken: keep evidence so you can show compliance during inspections. See further detail on gov.uk.
If you need specialist help, Total Safe can carry out or review your fire risk assessment and advise on seasonal measures. Fire risk assessment services from Total Safe. See totalsafeuk.com for details.
Eliminate ignition sources and control fuel loads
Fires need heat, fuel and oxygen. Seasonal activity often increases fuels such as gift wrap, cardboard, textiles and dried trees, and it can introduce new ignition sources like display lights, candles and portable heaters. You should identify and remove or control these where possible. See advice from hse.gov.uk.
Key actions
Use LED lights: check that all lighting and extension leads meet the relevant British safety standards before use.
Store decorations safely: keep decorations and extra stock away from heaters, ovens, electrical distribution and sprinkler heads.
Choose flame-retardant materials: use flame-retardant materials for displays and avoid combustible drapes or paper-based garlands near escape routes.
Check portable heaters daily: ensure portable heaters are sited safely and are subject to a daily visual check during use. Local advice: northyorksfire.gov.uk.
How to prepare my business for seasonal fire hazards: managing decorations and displays
Decorations can make premises welcoming, but they change fire loading and can block important equipment or escape routes. Popular local fire services advise strict rules for seasonal displays: keep exits clear, avoid obstructing signage and switch off decorative lights when the building is unattended. Review your layout and restrict decorations near alarm call points, fire extinguishers and exit signs. See local guidance at northyorksfire.gov.uk.
Practical controls
Limit combustible material: restrict the amount of combustible material in a single area.
Protect escape routes: mark and protect escape routes during set-up and when displays are in place.
Use certified lighting: use certified, UKCA or CE marked lighting and retain packaging or instructions for future reference.
Inform temporary staff: ensure temporary staff know evacuation routes and where firefighting equipment is located.
Electrical safety checks and PAT testing before peak periods
Electrical faults are a common cause of fires during seasonal peaks. Make sure all temporary and permanent electrical equipment is safe. PAT testing may be appropriate for seasonal displays and any portable appliances you bring into service. Consider an inspection before you increase lighting, bring in seasonal catering equipment or add chargers for e-bikes and scooters sold as gifts. Regular testing and simple visual checks can prevent a dangerous fault from developing. Guidance: hse.gov.uk.
If you need maintenance or PAT testing, Total Safe provides services across the South East including PAT testing and electrical safety checks. Total Safe fire safety services and PAT testing. See totalsafeuk.com.
Staff, contractors and temporary workers: training and clear responsibilities
Seasonal periods often bring temporary workers. You must ensure everyone understands fire procedures and their role in evacuation. Provide short, targeted briefings on the location of exits, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. In larger premises, identify and train additional fire marshals before the busy period begins.
Make that training specific. For example, show temporary staff where decorations must not be placed and how to isolate faulty lights. Keep records of training sessions and briefings, as this supports both safety and compliance.
Adapting business continuity and emergency plans for seasonality
Higher footfall and longer opening hours change evacuation times and the number of people to account for. Review your emergency plan to make sure it still works when the premises are busy.
Consider:
A plan for crowded areas: dealing with a fire in a crowded area or during an event.
Communication during evacuation: how to communicate if phone lines are congested.
Coordination with neighbours: if you share escape routes, coordinate procedures and responsibilities.
Arrangements for vulnerable people: plan assistance for those who may need help evacuating.
Updating this plan before the peak season reduces confusion if an incident happens. Also, liaise with your insurer and keep them informed of significant seasonal changes.
Season-specific hazards: winter heating, festive season, and wildfires
Different seasons present distinct hazards. In winter, heating and cooking-related fires increase. During the festive season, decorations and packed stores raise fire loading and electrical risks. In hot, dry weather, wildfire risk grows and can affect businesses near open land. The National Fire Chiefs Council warns businesses and the public to take extra care during wildfire-prone periods and to avoid activities that may ignite dry vegetation. See nfcc.org.uk.
Practical examples
Winter: secure heaters, maintain ventilation and ensure extractor fans and kitchen systems are cleaned regularly.
Festive season: limit stock near escape routes and schedule extra checks for lighting and alarms.
Summer: remove combustible waste from around buildings and avoid temporary outdoor barbecues near dry vegetation.
Testing, maintenance and equipment checks before the peak
Equipment must function when needed. Test alarms, emergency lighting and fire doors well before the busy period. Ensure extinguishers are in date and appropriate for the types of risk present. If you operate sprinklers or suppression systems, arrange competent servicing ahead of peak use. Keep maintenance records and make them available to enforcement officers if requested. Regular checks reduce the chance of equipment failing at a critical moment. Further guidance: hse.gov.uk.
Working with the fire service and local guidance
Local fire and rescue services publish seasonal advice and can offer tailored guidance. They also run campaigns and may carry out business safety visits. Use this resource to check that your seasonal arrangements are proportionate and effective. In many areas, local fire services provide clear checklists for festive and hot-weather risks that you can adapt for your own premises. See northyorksfire.gov.uk.
Simple, low-cost measures that reduce risk immediately
Not all effective controls cost much. Many reduce risk quickly:
Switch off and unplug decorative lights at close of business.
Place waste and extra packaging in metal bins away from the building overnight.
Keep escape routes clear during deliveries and display changes.
Use cable covers and avoid trailing leads across walkways.
Place a small number of trained fire marshals on shift during busy times.
These steps improve safety without significant expense and often satisfy inspectors looking for practical risk controls.
When to call in specialists
Some seasonal changes require specialist input. If you are adding a temporary kitchen, altering means of escape, increasing fire load substantially or making structural changes, get competent advice. Total Safe can help with bespoke advice, fire stopping, alarm systems and staff training to ensure your seasonal changes meet legal and practical standards. Arrange a seasonal fire safety review. See totalsafeuk.com.
Monitoring and review during and after the season
Monitor how controls perform during the season and keep brief daily logs if activity is high. After the period ends, conduct a short review to capture lessons learned and to update your fire risk assessment for the next year. This continuous improvement cycle makes future preparations quicker and more effective.
Conclusion and next steps
To prepare my business for seasonal fire hazards, take a planned, proportionate and recorded approach. Start with a seasonal review of your fire risk assessment, control ignition sources and fuel loads, check electrical safety, train staff and update your emergency plan. Use local fire service guidance for seasonal tips and call in specialists when temporary or complex changes are made. These actions protect staff, customers and your business reputation while meeting the Responsible Person’s legal duties. See gov.uk.
If you would like support reviewing seasonal measures or arranging inspections and testing, speak with Total Safe to book a focused seasonal assessment and maintenance visit. Find Total Safe services and contact details. See totalsafeuk.com.
FAQ
Q: Who is legally responsible for seasonal fire safety in a business?
A: The responsible person named under the Fire Safety Order is legally accountable for carrying out and reviewing fire risk assessments and for putting in place appropriate fire precautions. Reviews should occur whenever circumstances change, including seasonal activity. See gov.uk.
Q: Are Christmas lights and decorations allowed in commercial premises?
A: Yes, but they must be safe and not obstruct escape routes or safety equipment. Use certified lighting, switch lights off when unattended and ensure decorations are flame retardant and sited away from heat sources. Local fire services offer practical checklists. See northyorksfire.gov.uk.
Q: How often should I test alarms and emergency lighting during busy seasons?
A: Test alarm call points and emergency lighting according to your maintenance schedule, and increase frequency if activity or layout changes. Perform a full systems check before the peak period and keep records of tests and any remedial work. See hse.gov.uk.
Q: What should I do if my business borders open land with wildfire risk?
A: Reduce external combustible material, keep waste away from the perimeter, avoid outdoor barbecues in dry conditions and follow NFCC guidance on wildfire precautions. Liaise with local fire services for specific advice for your area. See nfcc.org.uk.
Q: Where can I get help with a seasonal fire safety review?
A: You can book a fire risk assessment or seasonal safety review with a competent provider such as Total Safe, who offer assessments, PAT testing and maintenance to help you prepare and remain compliant. Book a fire risk assessment with Total Safe. See totalsafeuk.com.
