Fire safety risks of temporary structures: how to identify and address them
Fire safety risks of temporary structures can be significant, and in this guide you will learn how to spot the main hazards, meet legal duties, apply recognised standards, and put practical controls in place to keep people and property safe. This article is written for property managers, event organisers, facilities teams and compliance officers who are responsible for temporary demountable structures such as marquees, tents, stages, viewing platforms and pop-up retail units.
Why temporary structures need a focused fire safety approach
Temporary structures are different from permanent buildings. They may be lightweight, have fabric or membrane coverings, and be sited in exposed or unfamiliar locations. These factors change how fire starts, spreads and how people evacuate. Many guidance documents stress that temporary structures need specific assessment and mitigation rather than treating them like ordinary buildings. hse.gov.uk
Temporary structures also often host higher risk activities such as cooking, temporary electrical installations, or large crowds. In crowded or complex layouts a small ignition can escalate quickly, limiting escape options and complicating fire-and-rescue access. For this reason, designers and organisers should plan for both structural safety and fire safety from the earliest stages. nfcc.org.uk
Legal duties and relevant standards for temporary structures
Responsible persons retain duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 even when activity takes place in tents or marquees. You must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and implement proportionate fire precautions. Several GOV.UK guides make this explicit for marquees, open-air events and similar venues. gov.uk
The Health and Safety Executive treats marquees and event structures as temporary demountable structures and expects competent design, erection and management. Where construction activity applies, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 will also be relevant. hse.gov.uk
Standards also provide technical requirements. For example, BS EN 13782 sets safety criteria for tents and similar membrane structures, covering design, stability and burning behaviour. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) publishes event safety documents and checklists that are widely used by event planners and fire services. Follow these standards and guidance to demonstrate you have applied recognised good practice. shop-checkout.bsigroup.com
How to carry out a site-specific risk assessment
A thorough, site-specific fire risk assessment is the first practical step to managing fire safety risks of temporary structures. Begin by recording the structure type, footprint and expected occupancy. Next, check the surrounding site and its constraints.
Key assessment steps
Confirm who the responsible person is and who will supervise erection, operation and dismantling.
Identify ignition sources such as cooking, LPG, generators, temporary heaters or stage lighting.
Check fuel loads inside and close to the structure including decorations, staging, timber or storage.
Map escape routes, exit widths, and any potential pinch points that could delay evacuation.
Record access for fire and rescue vehicles and any obstructions that may hinder an emergency response.
These steps are aligned with HSE and NFCC event-safety recommendations and with GOV.UK expectations for marquees and open-air events. hse.gov.uk
Materials, coverings and certificates: what to check
One common failing is relying on unverified materials. Ensure that any fabric or membrane has documented fire performance. For non-air-supported membranes, guidance recommends compliance with appropriate British Standards for flame retardancy; BS EN 13782 discusses burning behaviour and documentation for tents over a certain size. Always ask for certificates from manufacturers or suppliers and keep them on file. shop-checkout.bsigroup.com
Where covers or linings have been treated for flame retardancy, request proof of inherent or durable treatment rather than assuming the supplier’s word is sufficient. This protects you and demonstrates due diligence during inspections or after an incident.
Design and layout controls to reduce fire spread and improve evacuation
Good layout prevents fires from becoming life‑threatening. Practical controls include careful siting, exits that match occupant loads, and lighting/signage that supports evacuation.
Separation and spacing: place structures appropriately relative to buildings, vehicles, other tents and combustible material. Guidance often specifies minimum distances or recommends calculations to justify closer siting. fairfaxcounty.gov
Clear, redundant exits: provide at least two exits and ensure exit widths match the expected occupant load. Exit doors should open in the direction of escape and be easy to operate. fliphtml5.com
Escape route lighting and signage: provide emergency lighting on escape routes and mark exits clearly so people can evacuate even in poor visibility. GOV.UK and HSE highlight emergency lighting as an essential control for temporary structures. gov.uk
Also consider compartmentation within large tents. Firebreaks, separation corridors and non‑combustible zones can slow fire spread and reduce smoke travel, giving more time for evacuation and firefighting.
Services and utilities: electricity, heating and gas
Electrical faults are a frequent cause of fires at events. Any temporary electrical installation must be designed and tested by a competent electrician, with RCD protection and appropriate cable routing away from walkways and trip hazards. Portable appliances should be PAT tested where required. The HSE provides clear advice on temporary services for events. hse.gov.uk
Gas and open-flame equipment present additional risks. Store LPG cylinders in ventilated, segregated areas with secure supports and distance them from ignition sources. Cooking and barbeque activities often require special permits, exclusion zones and active fire‑watching measures. Many local authorities and the NFCC advise prohibiting naked flames inside fabric structures unless specific controls are in place. nfcc.org.uk
Fire detection, alarm systems and firefighting equipment
Decide on detection and alarm needs based on occupancy, layout and whether the structure will be used overnight. Simple events may use manual call points and a duty manager, while larger or sleeping accommodation requires automatic detection and alarms. NFCC event guidance includes templates for when detection is needed and how to record responsibilities. nfcc.org.uk
Provide appropriate portable firefighting equipment and position it strategically. Common practice is to supply fire extinguishers suitable for likely fuel types and ensure staff know their location and correct use. Also check local fire and rescue expectations; they may require additional measures for high‑risk setups.
People, training and event management
People are both a hazard and the best defence. Put trained stewards or fire marshals in place to guide evacuation and to act as a fire watch when activities pose added risk. All staff and contractors must understand escape routes, assembly points and reporting arrangements.
Plan how to manage crowds during an evacuation. Crowd control measures and trained personnel reduce the chance of bottlenecks and injuries during an emergency. NFCC event checklists are a practical resource for staff roles and ratios. nfcc.org.uk
Documentation, permits and engagement with authorities
Keep clear records: the risk assessment, design drawings, certificates for materials, electrical test results, gas safety checks and method statements for erection and dismantling. Where licences or permits are required—such as a local authority Section 30 licence in some parts of London—apply early and share plans with the fire and rescue service for comment. Local authority guidance often lists permit requirements and contacts. cityoflondon.gov.uk
Early engagement with the local fire and rescue service helps manage expectations and allows additional controls or inspections to be agreed in advance. This can be especially important for large gatherings or semi‑permanent sleeping accommodation. nfcc.org.uk
Practical inspection checklist you can use now
Use this brief checklist during site visits:
Confirm manufacturer certificates for fabrics and linings. shop-checkout.bsigroup.com
Verify the temporary structure installer is competent and insured. hse.gov.uk
Check spacing to buildings, vehicles and other tents. fairfaxcounty.gov
Confirm exits, signage and emergency lighting are in place. gov.uk
Inspect electrical installations, generator siting and cable routing. hse.gov.uk
Review gas cylinder storage and cooking arrangements. nfcc.org.uk
Ensure firefighting equipment is suitable and accessible. nfcc.org.uk
Check that stewards are trained and a documented evacuation plan exists. nfcc.org.uk
This checklist is a practical start, but it does not replace a full, written fire risk assessment tailored to your event and site.
When to bring in specialists
If a structure is large, designed to accommodate sleeping, or used for high‑risk activities, engage a competent fire safety consultant or a structural specialist. Complex installations may need structural calculations, specialist fire engineering input or formal sign‑off to BS EN standards. The NFCC and HSE recommend using recognised professionals for novel or high‑risk structures. shop-checkout.bsigroup.com
If you prefer external support, Total Safe can conduct site surveys, produce fire risk assessments and advise on remedial actions to meet statutory duties. See our overview of services and how we work with event teams and building owners. Fire safety services from Total Safe and learn more about our approach and accreditations on our about page. About Total Safe.
Conclusion and next steps
Managing fire safety risks of temporary structures requires careful planning, competent suppliers, and clear documentation. Start with a site‑specific risk assessment, verify materials and services, ensure means of escape and firefighting measures are robust, and train staff to act quickly and safely. Consult the GOV.UK and HSE guidance for marquees and events, and use recognised standards such as BS EN 13782 where applicable. gov.uk
If your site is complex or you need a formal assessment, contact Total Safe for a consultation and practical plan tailored to your event or temporary installation. Early action reduces risk, improves compliance and protects people and assets.
FAQ
Q: What is the single most important control for temporary structures?
A: A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment that is specific to the structure and site. It identifies hazards and sets out proportionate controls, which then guide all other measures. gov.uk
Q: Do tent fabrics need a certificate?
A: Yes. Request documentary evidence of flame retardancy or inherent non‑combustibility from manufacturers or suppliers. Standards such as those referenced in BS EN 13782 are commonly used to demonstrate compliance. shop-checkout.bsigroup.com
Q: When is automatic detection required in a temporary structure?
A: Automatic detection is more likely to be required for sleeping accommodation, large or complex layouts, or where rapid detection significantly improves safety. Refer to NFCC and event guidance to determine appropriate levels of detection. nfcc.org.uk
Q: Who enforces fire safety at events?
A: The Responsible Person must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; local fire and rescue services and local authorities may inspect and advise, and some sites require licences or permits from the local authority. Early liaison with regulators reduces delays. gov.uk
Q: Where can I get help with a temporary structure fire risk assessment?
A: If you need specialist help, contact an experienced fire safety consultancy such as Total Safe to arrange a site visit, tailored risk assessment and remediation plan. Request Total Safe event and temporary structure support. totalsafeuk.com
