How to Address Fire Safety Challenges in London’s Community Centres: Essential Strategies for Compliance and Protection in 2025
Why this matters: duties and the legal framework
If you run, manage or are responsible for a community centre, you are a responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. That duty requires you to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire precautions and keep records. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines or prosecution.
Use the GOV.UK guide for small non‑domestic premises as a practical starting point for many community centres. In 2025 official guidance and standards remain core to compliance; the Home Office and government resources provide step‑by‑step information relevant to small non‑domestic premises.
“A documented, kept‑up‑to‑date fire risk assessment, combined with proportionate precautions, is the foundation of lawful and effective fire safety management.”
Common fire safety challenges in London community centres
Mixed and unpredictable occupancy: Centres host classes, meetings, performances and evening events which change patterns of use and increase overcrowding risk.
Volunteer staffing and turnover: Many centres rely on volunteers who may lack consistent fire safety training and institutional knowledge.
Historic and adapted buildings: Older properties often have complicated escape routes, non‑compliant doors or unprotected openings that require specific control measures.
Storage and clutter: Donations, equipment and furniture stored in corridors can obstruct escape routes and act as fuel for fires.
Arson and deliberate ignition: Some community buildings are targeted for arson or vandalism, increasing external risk; consult NFCC guidance and local intelligence from the London Fire Brigade guidance.
Each challenge creates targeted control needs: for example, older buildings need tested fire doors and clear routing; mixed occupancy requires flexible evacuation plans and reliable detection.
Essential strategies for compliance and protection
Conduct and maintain a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Review who is at risk and how they use the building, including volunteers, visitors, contractors and people with reduced mobility. Update the assessment after any change of use, refurbishment or event with larger numbers and keep written records for audit and enforcement purposes. See the GOV.UK guide for small non‑domestic premises.
Improve detection and alarm systems to modern standards. Fit and maintain a fire detection and alarm system suitable for your centre’s occupancy and layout. Use the latest guidance when specifying or upgrading systems; BSI press release on BS 5839‑1:2025 describes key changes. Where people sleep or early warning is critical, consider automatic detection and consult the BSI code of practice (BS 5839‑1:2025).
Keep escape routes and fire doors effective. Ensure final exits, corridors and stairways are clear at all times; remove stored items that could obstruct escape. Inspect and maintain fire doors, self‑closers and signage as part of a planned programme and replace or repair doors that no longer provide the required fire resistance.
Provide proportionate firefighting equipment and emergency lighting. Supply portable extinguishers sized and located for the risks present and maintain them to the required schedule. Fit emergency lighting where routes might be used in low light or if mains power fails.
Train staff and volunteers in evacuation procedures. Deliver Fire Marshal training to a sufficient number of on‑site people, run regular drills and record attendance. Prepare Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for users who need assistance.
Reduce arson and external risks. Secure refuse and storage areas, fit lighting and consider CCTV where appropriate. Engage with local fire and police prevention teams to share intelligence and get support; see NFCC guidance and the London Fire Brigade guidance.
How to apply standards and guidance practically
Match guidance to your building. If your centre is a small single‑storey hall, the GOV.UK guide for small non‑domestic premises is a practical starting point. For complex or higher‑risk premises, consult specialised guidance or engage a competent fire risk assessor.
Use BS 5839‑1:2025 when specifying alarms. The 2025 revision tightened controls on variations and improved guidance on detection in occupied and sleeping areas. Where your centre hosts overnight stays or vulnerable users, prioritise automatic detection in sleeping rooms (see the BSI press release and the BSI code of practice).
Record decisions and rationale. If you deviate from a code‑based recommendation, document why and what compensating measures are in place; well‑kept records support enforcement responses and insurance enquiries.
Practical, low‑cost measures that make a big difference
Clear and declutter: Schedule weekly checks to remove stored items from corridors and stairwells.
Improve signage: Fit and verify escape signs and keep switchable lighting serviced.
Simple detection upgrades: Install interlinked smoke detectors in key circulation areas where budgets allow.
Volunteer training: Run a short Fire Marshal briefing and practical evacuation drill every six months.
Fire door checks: Ensure doors close correctly and that intumescent seals and smoke strips are intact.
These low‑cost measures reduce risk quickly and often satisfy basic enforcement expectations.
Event safety and temporary use: planning for peak risk
Carry out an event‑specific risk assessment for each large gathering and control numbers to match the safe means of escape. Ensure stewards understand evacuation procedures and brief hirers with a short written summary of fire procedures and the location of escape routes before the event starts.
Fire safety liaison: For large or high‑risk events, inform the local fire and rescue service or community safety team when appropriate; see the London Fire Brigade guidance.
Working with competent professionals and local authorities
Engage accredited providers for fire alarm design, extinguisher servicing and fire door works. Accreditation to BAFE or relevant trade bodies provides assurance of competence.
Use a qualified fire risk assessor when your premises are complex or after major change. Documented expert advice strengthens your legal defence and improves safety; see Total Safe services for local support.
Liaise with local teams: The London Fire Brigade community teams offer prevention support and local intelligence on arson or community risks, plus templates and guidance tailored to London premises (see London Fire Brigade guidance).
Creating a simple action plan for the next 90 days
Days 1–7 — Review your current fire risk assessment and check it is up to date. Run a quick site sweep to remove obstructions from escape routes.
Days 8–30 — Test alarms, emergency lighting and identified fire doors. Schedule extinguisher checks and book any urgent maintenance.
Days 31–60 — Deliver a Fire Marshal briefing and run a timed evacuation drill. Update PEEPs for regular users who require assistance.
Days 61–90 — Commission a full fire risk assessment from a competent assessor if not already current. Review alarm system design against BS 5839‑1:2025 recommendations and plan upgrades if necessary.
How Total Safe supports community centres
Total Safe works with community buildings across London and the South East to deliver tailored, cost‑effective solutions including comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments, alarm system advice, fire door inspection and repair, extinguisher servicing and training. Our team can help implement the 90‑day plan and provide documented evidence of improvements for auditors and insurers. Explore Total Safe services.
For targeted guidance on FRA responsibilities or whether you need a professional assessor, read Who carries out fire risk assessments?.
Where to go for authoritative guidance
Legal duties and basic guidance: Use the GOV.UK guide for small non‑domestic premises which explains the obligation to carry out a fire risk assessment and lists practical precautions.
Technical standards: Consult BSI guidance and BS 5839‑1:2025 for alarm design and maintenance.
London‑specific templates: The London Fire Brigade guidance includes downloadable tools, templates and enforcement contacts tailored to community premises.
Conclusion and recommended next steps
Fire safety in London community centres is achievable with a clear, practical approach. Start by confirming that your fire risk assessment is current and proportionate. Then prioritise detection, escape route integrity and practical training for staff and volunteers. Use the updated BS 5839‑1:2025 guidance when considering alarm upgrades, and work with accredited providers for higher‑risk works. Record every decision and action; good documentation protects users and the responsible person.
If you would like a free consultation to assess your centre and create a targeted action plan, Contact Total Safe.
FAQ
Q: Who is the responsible person for fire safety in a community centre?
A: The responsible person is usually the employer, owner, or the person with control of the premises. They must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and that fire precautions are maintained. See the GOV.UK guide for small non‑domestic premises for details.
Q: How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A: Review the assessment after any significant change such as a change of use, building alterations or a major event. At minimum, review it annually and update records when changes occur. The GOV.UK guide provides practical prompts.
Q: Do community centres need a full fire alarm system?
A: It depends on risk, occupancy and building layout. Many centres benefit from an interlinked detection system. Use BS 5839‑1:2025 as the technical benchmark when deciding on system type and siting.
Q: What simple steps reduce arson risk at community buildings?
A: Keep exterior waste secure, clear combustible material from around the building, install lighting and consider community patrols or CCTV. Liaise with local fire prevention teams for targeted advice; refer to NFCC guidance and London Fire Brigade guidance.
Q: Where can I find templates and checklists for community centres?
A: The London Fire Brigade provides practical templates and guidance notices tailored to community premises and events. GOV.UK also publishes a guide for small non‑domestic premises that many centres will find useful. See the London Fire Brigade guidance and the GOV.UK guide.
