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Protect Essex event space from emerging fire risks 2025: How to protect your Essex event space during major occasions

Protect Essex event space from emerging fire risks 2025 is the starting point for this guide. In the sections that follow you will find practical, compliance-focused steps to reduce risk before, during and after major occasions. This article explains legal duties, highlights the most important new threats to watch for in 2025, and gives checklists and tactics that venue managers, facilities teams and event organisers can apply immediately.

 

Every responsible person at an event venue must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires dutyholders to identify hazards and take proportionate measures to protect people. If you run an event space in Essex, you must act on assessment findings and keep records where appropriate. For practical guidance see HSE event safety pages and GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance.

Risks are evolving quickly. For example, lithium-ion battery fires connected to e-bikes and e-scooters have risen in recent years and increasingly appear at public events and in staff areas. Temporary structures, outdoor heating, increased catering equipment and higher crowd densities all change how fire can start and spread at a venue. These trends mean you must update plans and controls for 2025. See coverage on rising e-bike fires in The Guardian report and safety advice from London Fire Brigade on e-mobility.

 

Understanding emerging fire risks at Essex events

First, map where new hazards are likely to appear during a major occasion. Typical hotspots include temporary stages, generator locations, catering zones, staff storage and charging points for battery-powered kit. Backstage areas and arrival routes can become cluttered during load‑in and load‑out. A simple walkround before guests arrive will spot many issues.

Second, account for changes in guest behaviour. People bring rechargeable batteries and portable power banks. If they charge or store these items in congested or flammable locations, the chance of an ignition increases. Plan secure charging and storage away from escape routes. For guidance on open-air events and venue assessments, consult the GOV.UK open-air events guidance and the HSE event safety pages when you compile your risk register.

 

Practical pre-event checks and planning

Effective planning prevents the majority of avoidable incidents. Use a short checklist during the event build and again before doors open.

Confirm documentation: Ensure a current, documented fire risk assessment covers the event type and predicted attendance. If you need professional help, book a competent assessor. Total Safe fire risk assessment services.

Escape routes: Check all escape routes and exits are visible, unlocked and free of obstructions.

Systems testing: Verify that fire alarms, emergency lighting and detection systems are tested and operational; keep test records and tags on site. If your system needs servicing, schedule maintenance with a qualified provider. Total Safe fire alarm installation and maintenance.

Temporary power and generators: Ensure any temporary power supply or generator has a safe fuel and exhaust arrangement that prevents heat build-up near flammable materials.

Catering and trader checks: Ask caterers and traders for method statements and proof of PAT testing for their equipment where needed.

These measures align with government and HSE expectations and are proportionate steps you can take quickly. For a short practical checklist see GOV.UK 5-step checklist and the HSE event safety pages.

 

Protect Essex event space from emerging fire risks 2025: temporary structures, staging and marquees

Temporary structures change the fire dynamics at a venue. They may lack fixed fire detection or have different escape considerations. When planning a stage or marquee, ensure design and materials meet recognised guidance and standards.

Material choices: Choose flame-retardant fabrics and ensure supplier certification is available.

Layouts and access: Provide clear layouts showing exits, firefighting access and emergency lighting positions.

Separation and load-bearing: Identify load-bearing and fire-separation requirements if a temporary structure sits close to a permanent building.

Competent installation: Co‑ordinate with contractors so services (electrical, sound, lighting) are installed by competent persons. Poor wiring and overloaded circuits are common ignition sources in temporary installations.

Where possible, include temporary detection or a monitored alarm for high-risk temporary structures. Also consider a temporary water supply or rapid access for attendance by local fire services. If changes affect escape routes or capacity, update the risk assessment and communicate changes to stewards and emergency services. For technical guidance consult the BSI code of practice and the BSI updated fire alarm standard press release.

 

Managing lithium-ion battery and e-mobility risks

Lithium-ion batteries are a clear emerging threat for 2025. Fires can start during charging, after damage, or when counterfeit or poorly manufactured batteries are present. At events you may encounter e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks and rechargeable tool batteries. These can ignite quickly and generate toxic smoke.

Prohibit unattended charging: Do not allow unattended charging in public areas. Provide a controlled charging hub located away from main escape routes.

Dedicated storage: Require delivery drivers and staff to store e-mobility devices in a dedicated, well-ventilated, non-combustible area when on site.

Vendor requirements: Ask vendors to bring only certified batteries and to avoid DIY-converted equipment.

Steward training: Train stewards to spot signs of battery failure, such as swelling, hissing or overheating, and to call the incident controller immediately.

Local fire services have campaigned on charger safety and product provenance. Learn from their public advice and integrate simple steps into your event rules via the London Fire Brigade guidance.

 

Fire detection, alarm systems and standards to follow

Early detection saves lives. Ensure your alarm and detection systems meet current British Standards and manufacturer guidance. In 2025 the British Standards Institution published a revised code for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. Verify that systems are maintained to the updated standard and that your maintenance provider follows the new guidance. See the BSI updated standard press release.

If your venue uses voice alarm systems, linked suppression or integrated fire control, confirm interconnections function during a full test. Also ensure that event-specific equipment (temporary lighting, AV racks, chargers) does not interfere with detection zones.

Where detection is limited — for example in large open-air auditoria or temporary stages — rely on additional human controls: trained fire marshals, clear stewarding plans and a monitored communications channel for incident reporting.

 

Training, stewards and on-site emergency response

Human factors determine how effectively you respond when the alarm sounds. Invest in practical training and rehearsals.

Incident controller: Appoint a named incident controller and deputy for each major occasion.

Fire marshal training: Provide basic fire marshal training for stewards so they understand alarm signals, escape routes and how to liaise with emergency services.

Pre-event briefing: Conduct a short pre-event briefing covering evacuation plans, high-risk areas and locations of firefighting equipment.

Evacuation drill: Run at least one evacuation drill for staff and contractors during build or rehearsal where practicable.

Training need not be complex. Simple, scenario-based briefings cut confusion when seconds count. For tailored training and packages see Total Safe services.

 

Communication, liaison and post-event review

Good communication builds resilience. Before the event, share emergency plans with contractors, traders and relevant local authorities. Notify local fire and rescue services about high-profile events and any unusual risks (for example, large amounts of stored batteries or temporary fuel stores).

Debrief: After the event, hold a debrief that captures near-misses and lessons learned. Update your risk assessment and checklists based on real incidents. These steps create continuous improvement and demonstrate due diligence if regulators ask for evidence of robust management. Use GOV.UK checklists and the HSE guidance to structure reviews.

 

Checklist: immediate actions before doors open

Review assessment: Review and, if necessary, update the fire risk assessment for the event type. Total Safe fire risk assessment.

Systems tests: Confirm alarm and emergency lighting tests are complete and logged. Total Safe alarm maintenance.

Escape routes: Clear and signpost escape routes; remove stored equipment from corridors.

Charging area: Establish a secure charging and storage area for batteries and e-mobility devices. See London Fire Brigade advice.

Staff briefing: Hold a staff briefing that covers evacuation roles, radio channels and assembly points.

Contractor records: Record all contractor method statements and ensure electrical competence certificates are available.

 

Conclusion and next steps

To protect Essex event space from emerging fire risks 2025 you must combine solid planning, up-to-date standards, and practical on-site controls. Start with a current fire risk assessment, check your detection and alarm systems against the 2025 standards update, manage lithium-ion battery risks proactively, and train stewards to act decisively. These steps reduce risk and show clear compliance with legal duties.

If you need an expert review, book a specialist assessment and a pre-event safety audit. Total Safe fire risk assessments, alarm maintenance and training are available across Essex and the South East. Taking simple, targeted actions today will keep your visitors safe and your event running smoothly tomorrow.

 

FAQ

 

Q: Who is responsible for fire safety at a hired event space?

A: The “responsible person” under fire safety law is usually the premises owner or the organiser if they have control of the space. They must ensure a suitable fire risk assessment and implement measures to protect attendees. See the HSE event safety pages for guidance.

 

Q: Do temporary stages and marquees need smoke detection?

A: Where temporary structures are used, dutyholders must assess if temporary detection or alternative measures (stewards, clear escape routes) are necessary. Use flame-retardant materials and consult standards for best practice. See the BSI code of practice.

 

Q: What should I do about e-bikes or e-scooters on site?

A: Provide a controlled storage and charging area, prohibit unattended charging in public spaces and require devices to be stored away from escape routes. Train staff to recognise battery failure signs. See guidance from the London Fire Brigade.

 

Q: Which official sources should I consult when preparing for a major event?

A: Start with GOV.UK open-air events guidance and the HSE event safety pages. For technical alarm standards, consult the recent BSI updates.

 

Q: How can Total Safe help my venue prepare for a large occasion?

A: Total Safe offers fire risk assessments, alarm installation and maintenance, fire marshal training and tailored pre-event audits to ensure compliance and operational readiness. Explore Total Safe fire safety services.