Open Air Events & Venues Fire Risk Assessment
Need a fire risk assessment for your open air event, festival, outdoor venue or public gathering? Compare up to three quotes from assessors in the FireRiskQuote network.
Get Up to 3 Free QuotesPage reviewed: September 2026
Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment — Quick Facts
- Property: Festivals, concerts, markets, fairs, sporting events, outdoor venues, zoos, theme parks
- Service: Compare up to 3 quotes
- Indicative price: Smaller events start from £350
- Key issues: Temporary structures, marquees, catering, LPG, generators, crowd safety, weather contingency
- England & Wales: All non-domestic premises fall within the Fire Safety Order
- Scotland: Separate fire safety legislation applies
Do Open Air Events Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including open air events, festivals, outdoor venues, markets, fairs, and public gatherings[reference:0][reference:1]. The responsible person must ensure fire safety risks are properly assessed and managed[reference:2].
The Government guide Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Open Air Events and Venues provides detailed guidance for event organisers and venue managers[reference:3]. This applies to music concerts, sporting events, firework displays, markets, zoos, theme parks, and other outdoor gatherings[reference:4][reference:5].
Open air events present unique fire risks due to temporary structures, catering facilities, LPG and fuel storage, electrical generators, large crowds, and weather conditions. A tailored fire risk assessment, alongside an Event Management Plan, is essential to protect attendees, staff, and performers[reference:6].
Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety at an Open Air Event?
The responsible person is typically the event organiser, landowner, employer, or person who has control of the venue[reference:7]. They must ensure fire safety duties are met.
Individual stallholders, traders, and concessionaires occupying pitches at an event also need to produce their own fire risk assessments[reference:8][reference:9]. The NFCC has produced fire risk assessment templates specifically for food concessions, traders and temporary structures[reference:10][reference:11].
For large events (over 1,000 people) or high-risk events, the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will review the Event Management Plan and fire risk assessment[reference:12][reference:13].
What Does an Open Air Event Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
A fire risk assessment for an open air event examines the site, activities, people at risk, and fire precautions — with a focus on temporary infrastructure and crowd safety.
- Means of escape: routes, exits, signage and accessibility
- Fire detection and warning: alarm systems and communication methods[reference:14]
- Firefighting equipment: extinguishers, fire blankets and their location
- Temporary structures and marquees: fire-retardant materials, exits and fire separation
- Catering and cooking facilities: gas safety, extraction and grease build-up
- LPG and fuel storage: cylinder storage, isolation and security[reference:15]
- Electrical installations and generators: portable appliance testing, cable management and overloading
- Flammable materials: staging, decorations, waste and combustible stock
- Smoking areas: designated zones and ash disposal[reference:16]
- Crowd management: capacity calculations, overcrowding and evacuation procedures[reference:17]
- Emergency access: routes for fire service vehicles and water supplies[reference:18]
- Weather contingency: severe weather procedures, high winds and lightning[reference:19]
- People at risk: attendees, staff, performers, contractors and volunteers
- Management: training, communication, event management plan and emergency procedures[reference:20]
Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment Costs
Open air event fire risk assessment costs vary depending on the size, duration, capacity, number of temporary structures, catering facilities, and location of the event.
As a guide, smaller events (e.g., village fairs or small markets) may start from around £350. Larger festivals, multi-day events or high-risk gatherings may cost more.
FireRiskQuote allows you to compare up to three quotes from fire risk assessors, helping you compare both price and what is included.
How to Choose an Open Air Event Fire Risk Assessor
Experience with outdoor events and temporary venues is valuable when choosing an assessor.
Event Experience
Choose an assessor who understands outdoor event layouts, temporary structures, and crowd safety.
Qualifications
Look for relevant fire safety qualifications and professional registration (e.g., IFE, IFSM).
Insurance
Ensure appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Compare Quotes
Look beyond the headline price — compare what each quotation includes.
Information to Give an Open Air Event Fire Risk Assessor
- Event name, location and dates
- Site area and maximum capacity
- Number of attendees expected
- Types of activities (music, food, markets, etc.)
- Number and types of temporary structures (marquees, stages, etc.)
- Number of catering units and concessions
- LPG, fuel and generator details
- Emergency access routes for fire services
- Water supply availability
- Weather contingency plans
- Previous fire risk assessment (if applicable)
- Enforcement notices or outstanding actions
How an Open Air Event Fire Risk Assessment Works
1. Tell Us About Your Event
Provide location, size, facilities and relevant details.
2. Compare Up to 3 Quotes
Receive quotations from assessors in our network.
3. Choose Your Assessor
Consider competence, experience, scope and price.
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Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
Do open air events need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including open air events, festivals, outdoor venues, markets, fairs and public gatherings. The responsible person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.
Who is responsible for fire safety at an open air event?
The responsible person is typically the event organiser, landowner, employer or person who has control of the venue. They must ensure fire safety duties are met. Individual stallholders and concessionaires also need to produce their own fire risk assessments.
How much does an open air event fire risk assessment cost?
Costs vary depending on the size, duration, capacity, temporary structures and complexity of the event. As a guide, smaller events may start from around £350. Larger festivals or multi-day events may cost more.
What does an open air event fire risk assessment include?
It covers means of escape, fire detection and warning, firefighting equipment, temporary structures and marquees, catering and cooking facilities, LPG and fuel storage, electrical installations and generators, crowd management, emergency access for fire services, weather contingency planning, and management arrangements.
Can I compare more than one open air event fire risk assessment quote?
Yes. FireRiskQuote helps you submit your requirements and compare up to three quotes from assessors in the network, with no obligation.
Get Up to 3 Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment Quotes
Tell us about your open air event or venue and compare quotes from assessors in the FireRiskQuote network.
Request Event QuotesDisclaimer: This page provides general guidance and is not fire safety, legal or professional advice. Check current legislation and consult a competent fire risk assessor where appropriate. Event organisers should also refer to Fire safety risk assessment: open-air events and venues for detailed guidance.