seasonal fire hazards: How can I ensure my property is prepared for the risks of seasonal fire hazards?
Introduction
seasonal fire hazards can increase risk to buildings and occupants, and in this guide you will learn practical, legal and technical steps to prepare your property, reduce avoidable ignition sources and make sure your fire safety systems and records meet current expectations. This article is for property managers, business owners, facilities teams and responsible persons who need an accessible, compliant plan to manage higher-risk periods such as winter and the festive season.
Why seasonal fire hazards matter for your property
Seasonal changes bring specific hazards. In winter you tend to use portable heaters, open fires, electric blankets and extra lighting. During the festive period you will often see decorations, additional electrical loads and more frequent cooking. Each of these raises the chance of ignition and rapid fire spread. The National Fire Chiefs Council notes a measurable uplift in accidental home fires during December and on Christmas Day, which underlines why targeted action is essential. (nfcc.org.uk)
If you manage commercial, communal or multi-occupancy buildings, the consequences include operational disruption, reputational damage and legal enforcement where duties are unmet. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and subsequent guidance make clear that the responsible person must assess and control fire risk and keep records that show reasonable steps have been taken. For clarity on legal duties and the kinds of records you should keep, refer to the government guidance for those with fire safety responsibilities. (gov.uk)
Assessing seasonal fire hazards on your site
Start with a focused review of likely seasonal hazards. Walk the building and identify areas that will change use or load during higher-risk months. Record findings and rank them by risk and urgency. Low-cost measures often prevent most problems, and where detection, alarm or compartmentation appears inadequate, prioritise action and get a competent surveyor involved. The government collection of fire safety guidance provides practical checklists for premises of different sizes and uses. (gov.uk)
Common seasonal checks to make during your walk-round
Heating and open flame sources — portable heaters, fireplaces, barbecues used for events and any temporary solid fuel appliances should be identified and assessed.
Temporary decorations and additional lighting — trees, fairy lights and illuminated displays can change ignition risk and egress visibility.
Electrical loads and charging points — seasonal kitchen equipment, phone and device chargers, and any temporary power distribution need checking for overload and condition.
Storage of combustible waste — wrapping paper, packaging and pallets after deliveries must be located safely away from escape routes and external walls.
Changes in occupancy and staffing patterns — longer opening hours, events and visitors unfamiliar with escape routes should inform your control measures.
Control measures you should apply before and during high-risk seasons
Take sensible, proportionate steps to reduce both ignition likelihood and potential fire growth. Record these actions in your fire risk assessment and fire safety log.
Electrical safety and testing
Ensure PAT testing and fixed wiring inspections are up to date for equipment used more often in winter.
Avoid extension lead overloads — label circuits if temporary equipment is connected and ensure any temporary power distribution is installed by a competent electrician for events.
Heating and open fires
Position portable heaters well away from combustible materials and switch them off when the area is unattended.
Service chimneys and flues before the first use of an open fire or solid fuel appliance and prohibit using heaters to dry clothing or decorations.
Decorations, displays and storage
Use flame-retardant decorations and keep combustible displays clear of ignition sources.
Store bulk packaging and waste securely away from escape routes and external walls, and limit festoon cable runs away from sharp edges and high-traffic corridors.
Housekeeping and waste management
Empty bins regularly and avoid storing combustible waste in corridors or stairwells. Ensure external waste is secured and located away from building fabric to reduce risk of external ignition.
Ventilation and suppression
Confirm kitchen extract fans and suppression (where fitted) are functioning correctly during colder months when cooking increases. Maintain sprinkler or local suppression service schedules and test alarms before periods of heavy use.
These operational controls form part of a proportionate action plan that should be recorded in your fire risk assessment and your fire safety log. For support with alarm systems, maintenance and upgrades, totalsafeuk.com can carry out surveys and planned maintenance to align with current standards.
Make sure detection, alarm and lighting meet seasonal demands
Early detection and clear escape information greatly reduce harm when a fire occurs. Confirm the following before high-risk periods and keep written records.
Weekly alarm tests and documented records
Annual servicing and any required upgrades to the alarm system
Emergency lighting monthly function checks and full duration tests as required by appropriate guidance
Visual alarm devices where occupants may be sleeping or hearing impaired
British Standards for fire detection and alarm systems have recently been revised and designers, installers and maintainers should follow the current code of practice when modifying or upgrading systems. Where you have questions about system suitability for temporary loads, ask a competent installer to confirm zoning and audibility. (standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com)
Training, drills and staff awareness for seasonal risk periods
Good systems still depend on people. Increase awareness during seasonal peaks and record all activity.
Run brief refresher training for all staff on evacuation routes and how to raise the alarm.
Appoint additional fire marshals for events or increased opening hours.
Hold at least one drill when decorations or temporary changes alter escape routes and record outcomes.
Provide simple guidance to visitors and contractors (for example “no naked flames near displays”) and ensure contractors follow your site rules.
Record training attendance and drill outcomes. These records demonstrate proactive management to an enforcing authority and insurers.
Engage competent contractors and use standards to justify decisions
When you need specialist work—alarm upgrades, fire door repairs, or complex fire engineering—use competent contractors who follow recognised standards and certification schemes. Using accredited providers helps show you took reasonable steps to manage risk. The government and fire sector guidance encourage responsible persons to use competent assessors and contractors for complex elements of fire safety. (gov.uk)
If you need a joined-up service for surveys, installation and maintenance, Total Safe provides installation and maintenance for alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors and suppression systems and can help prioritise seasonal actions. Consider asking for a written maintenance schedule and handover documentation after any upgrade. (totalsafeuk.com)
Practical seasonal checklist you can use today
Use this short checklist in the run-up to and during higher-risk months. Record completion and dates in your fire safety log.
Test all smoke alarms and record weekly tests.
Service and inspect portable heaters; remove damaged units.
Sweep chimneys and service solid fuel appliances where applicable.
Inspect and PAT-test plugs, leads and extension boards used for festive lighting.
Check escape routes and exits are clear and visible despite decorations.
Verify emergency lighting and signage are functional and have recent test records.
Empty internal bins regularly and move external waste away from the building perimeter.
Confirm your fire risk assessment records have been updated to reflect seasonal measures.
Run a staff briefing and, if required, an evacuation drill.
If you prefer a professional review, book a seasonal check with Total Safe to get a clear action plan and remedial quotation.
Insurance, records and demonstrating reasonable steps
Insurers and enforcing authorities focus on whether the responsible person took reasonable steps. Keep concise, dated records of the items below so you can demonstrate due diligence if required.
Fire risk assessments and any seasonal updates
Test results and maintenance records for alarms, emergency lighting and suppression
Contractor certificates and service agreements
Training and drill records, including attendees and outcomes
Action plans with completion dates for remedial works
For templates, check the GOV.UK fire safety guidance and adapt records to your premises. (gov.uk)
When to call in specialist help
Call a competent assessor or installer when you face complex situations or when tests fail. Early intervention often minimises downtime and reduces cost.
Seek specialist help if you have complex buildings, sleeping accommodation or vulnerable occupants.
Call a competent assessor for changes to building use or temporary high-occupancy events.
Consult an installer when you are uncertain about system adequacy following new British Standards.
Engage specialists for failed tests, defective fire doors, or unreliable alarm systems.
Total Safe can perform a full fire risk assessment and produce a prioritised action plan that focuses on the seasonal risks relevant to your premises. (totalsafeuk.com)
Conclusion and recommended next steps
Seasonal fire hazards increase the chance of ignition and can magnify consequences, but effective preparation reduces both risk and cost. Start with a concise seasonal review, apply the control measures above, and ensure your detection, alarm and emergency lighting systems receive the attention they need. Keep clear records and train staff so people know how to respond.
Next steps:
Carry out a short seasonal walk-round and update your fire risk assessment.
Check maintenance certificates for alarms, emergency lighting and any suppression equipment.
Book remedial works early with a competent installer.
Brief staff and schedule a drill if seasonal changes affect escape routes.
If you would like professional help with any of these steps, contact Total Safe for a site survey, fire risk assessment or maintenance plan tailored to seasonal hazards.
FAQ
Q: How often should I review my fire risk assessment for seasonal risks?
A: Review it at least annually and whenever seasonal changes introduce new hazards (for example decorations, temporary heating or events). If you run frequent seasonal activity, consider a focused review before each peak period. (gov.uk)
Q: Are Christmas lights and decorations a legal risk?
A: Decorations themselves are not illegal, but they become a risk if they obstruct escape routes, overload electrical circuits or sit close to heat sources. Use flame-retardant materials and switch off lighting when the building is unattended. (nfcc.org.uk)
Q: Do I need to upgrade my fire alarm to meet new standards?
A: Upgrades are necessary if your system does not meet current guidance or if a risk assessment recommends changes. The British Standards for fire detection and alarm systems have been updated; consult a competent installer to check compliance. (standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com)
Q: Where can I get authoritative guidance on my legal duties?
A: Government guidance for those with legal duties under the Fire Safety Order provides practical advice on assessments, records and what a responsible person must do. (gov.uk)
Q: Can Total Safe help with a seasonal inspection and remedial works?
A: Yes. Total Safe offers fire risk assessments, alarm and emergency lighting maintenance, fire door surveys and practical remedial works to help premises prepare for seasonal fire hazards.
Further reading and useful resources
For legal duties and practical guides, see the GOV.UK fire safety guidance. (gov.uk)
For seasonal campaigns and data on festive risk, consult the National Fire Chiefs Council guidance and seasonal reminders. NFCC seasonal fire safety advice. (nfcc.org.uk)
To check current standards for alarm systems, review BSI information on BS 5839‑1 and related documents. BSI information on BS 5839. (standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com)
Relevant services from Total Safe: For a professional site review and action plan, see our Fire Risk Assessment guidance from Total Safe. For alarm installation, servicing and planned maintenance, see our Fire alarm installation and maintenance. (totalsafeuk.com)
