Open Air Events & Venues Fire Risk Assessment
Compare quotes from qualified fire risk assessors specialising in open air events, festivals, outdoor concerts, and temporary venues. Protect your attendees, staff, and reputation.
Request Free QuoteFire Risk Assessments for Open Air Events and Venues
If you organise or manage an open air event, you have a legal duty to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Open air events present unique and dynamic fire safety challenges due to temporary structures, variable weather, mobile catering, and the presence of large numbers of people in non-permanent environments.
FireRiskQuote helps event organisers, festival promoters, and venue operators connect with experienced fire risk assessors who specialise in temporary events and outdoor gatherings. Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, you can submit one request and receive quotes from professionals who understand the specific requirements for open air events.
Our service is free to use and there is no obligation to proceed. Simply compare quotes and choose the assessor that best suits your event and requirements.
Why Open Air Events Require Specialist Fire Risk Assessments
Open air event premises present specific fire safety challenges that general assessors may not fully address. Specialist fire risk assessors will consider:
- Temporary structures: Assessing fire risks in marquees, tents, stages, and temporary buildings, including flame-retardant fabric requirements and stability.
- Mobile catering and food concessions: Evaluating risks from cooking equipment, LPG cylinders, frying operations, and temporary gas installations.
- Portable generators and temporary power: Checking electrical safety, fuel storage, cable routing, and protection from weather and vehicle movements.
- LPG and flammable gas storage: Reviewing safe storage, segregation, and handling of gas cylinders used for catering and heating.
- Fireworks, pyrotechnics, and special effects: Assessing additional risks from planned displays and ensuring safe distances and competent operators.
- Camping and overnight accommodation: If the event includes camping, assessing fire risks in tented accommodation areas.
- Open fires, barbecues, and solid fuel: Managing risks from permitted fires, barbecues, or ceremonial flames.
- Waste accumulation: Ensuring regular removal of combustible waste, packaging, and litter that could fuel a fire.
- Means of escape: Planning clear, well-signed escape routes from event areas, considering the temporary nature of structures.
- Emergency vehicle access: Maintaining unobstructed access for fire appliances and emergency services throughout the event.
- Fire-fighting equipment: Providing appropriate extinguishers, fire points, and where necessary, water supplies for fire-fighting.
- Water supplies and hydrants: Ensuring adequate water supplies for fire-fighting, particularly in remote locations.
- Crowd management: Integrating fire safety with overall crowd management and stewarding plans.
- Weather and environmental factors: Considering how wind, rain, or extreme temperatures may affect fire risk and emergency procedures.
- Site security and arson prevention: Protecting against deliberate fire setting, particularly overnight and in less populated areas.
- Vehicle movements and traffic: Managing fire risks from event vehicles, delivery vehicles, and public transport.
- Staff and steward training: Ensuring all personnel are trained in fire procedures and evacuation of the public.
- Communication systems: Establishing reliable communication between stewards, control room, and emergency services.
- Disabled access and evacuation: Planning for attendees with disabilities, including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans where required.
- Integration with overall event management plan: Ensuring fire safety is embedded within the wider event safety management system.
Fire Safety Regulations for Open Air Events
Open air events are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and may also be subject to licensing requirements, temporary event notices, or premises licences. Key requirements include:
- Fire risk assessment: A suitable and sufficient assessment must be carried out, recorded, and kept up to date throughout the event planning and delivery phases.
- Event management plan: Fire safety must be integrated into the overall event management plan, including emergency procedures and contingency arrangements.
- Means of escape: Adequate escape routes must be provided, clearly signed, and maintained free from obstruction.
- Fire detection and warning: An appropriate means of raising the alarm must be provided, audible above ambient noise.
- Emergency lighting: Required in enclosed structures, tents, and along escape routes after dark.
- Fire extinguishers: Suitable extinguishers must be provided at identified fire points, appropriate to the risks present.
- Signage: Fire exit signs and fire action notices must be clearly displayed throughout the event site.
- Emergency plan: A clear plan must be in place, communicated to all staff, stewards, and contractors.
- Staff training: All personnel must receive fire safety training appropriate to their roles.
- LPG and gas safety: Gas installations must be installed and maintained by competent persons, with appropriate safety precautions.
- Electrical safety: All temporary electrical installations must be installed by competent persons and regularly inspected.
- Temporary structures: Marquees, tents, and stages must be designed, erected, and maintained to appropriate standards.
- Fire service consultation: Liaison with local fire and rescue service is recommended, particularly for larger events.
- Safety Advisory Group: Many local authorities operate Safety Advisory Groups that review event safety arrangements.
- The Purple Guide: The Events Industry Forum's Purple Guide provides comprehensive guidance for event safety management.
- Government guidance: HM Government's "Fire safety risk assessment: open air events and venues" provides detailed sector-specific advice.
- Martyn's Law: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 may apply to larger events, requiring additional preparedness measures.
Properties We Cover
Our network of assessors covers all types of open air events and venues including:
- Music festivals and concerts – including main stages, second stages, and arena areas
- Outdoor sporting events – marathons, cycle races, equestrian events, and motorsport gatherings
- Agricultural shows and county fairs
- Food and drink festivals – with multiple catering concessions
- Fireworks displays and bonfire nights
- Outdoor theatre and cinema screenings
- Community events and village fetes
- Temporary outdoor markets and street fairs
- Pride events and parades
- Air shows and display events
- Temporary ice rinks and attraction venues
- Christmas markets and seasonal events
- Camping and caravan sites associated with events
- Car boot sales and temporary retail events
Why Use FireRiskQuote for Your Open Air Event?
- Free quote comparison: No cost to you, no obligation to proceed.
- Specialist event assessors: Connect with assessors who understand the dynamic nature of temporary events and outdoor venues.
- Temporary structure expertise: Assessors experienced with marquees, tents, stages, and temporary installations.
- Catering and concession knowledge: Understanding of mobile catering risks, LPG safety, and temporary cooking equipment.
- Regulatory liaison experience: Assessors familiar with Safety Advisory Groups, licensing requirements, and fire service expectations.
- Compliance focus: Get an assessment that meets fire authority, local authority, and insurer requirements.
- Fast responses: Receive quotes quickly from professionals in your area.
- Nationwide coverage: Assessors available across the whole UK.
How Our Service Works
- Submit your event details using our online quote form.
- We send your request to fire risk assessors specialising in open air events.
- Receive quotes from qualified professionals.
- Compare options and choose the assessor that suits your needs.
Request an Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment Quote
If you require a fire risk assessment for your open air event, festival, or outdoor venue, you can request quotes quickly using our online form. Our service is free, confidential and designed to help you connect with experienced fire risk assessors.
Request Free Open Air Events Fire Risk Assessment QuotesOpen Air Events & Venues Fire Risk Assessment ‐ Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fire risk assessment required for my open air event?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises including open air events must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This applies regardless of whether the event is held on public or private land.
How much does an open air event fire risk assessment cost?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the event. Smaller community events may cost from around £300-£600, while large festivals, multi-stage events, or those with complex temporary structures and extensive catering will cost significantly more. Quotes are always free and no-obligation.
How far in advance should I arrange my fire risk assessment?
Fire risk assessment should be undertaken early in the planning process, ideally 3-6 months before the event for larger gatherings. This allows time to implement recommendations and liaise with local authorities and Safety Advisory Groups.
Who is the Responsible Person for an open air event?
The Responsible Person is typically the event organiser, promoter, or landowner who has control of the event premises. This may be an individual, a company, or a committee, and they retain legal responsibility regardless of whether contractors or volunteers are involved.
What are the most common fire hazards at open air events?
Common hazards include LPG cylinders and gas catering equipment, temporary electrical installations and generators, cooking oils and frying operations, combustible waste and packaging, fireworks and pyrotechnics, and accumulations of dry grass or vegetation.
Do marquees and tents need special fire precautions?
Yes. Marquees and tents should be made of flame-retardant fabric, have adequate exits, and be spaced appropriately to prevent fire spread. Heating and cooking equipment within tents requires careful assessment and often additional fire protection measures.
What fire extinguishers do I need at an outdoor event?
The type and number of extinguishers depend on the specific risks present. Catering concessions typically require fire blankets and appropriate extinguishers for cooking oil fires. Event areas require general-purpose extinguishers at identified fire points, with locations and quantities based on risk assessment.
Do I need to consult with the fire service about my event?
For larger events, consultation with the local fire and rescue service is strongly recommended. Many areas have Safety Advisory Groups that bring together fire, police, ambulance, and local authority representatives to review event safety arrangements.
What about LPG and gas safety at catering concessions?
Gas installations must be installed and maintained by competent persons. Cylinders should be stored securely, away from ignition sources, and with appropriate segregation. Spare cylinders must not be kept in public areas. Your fire risk assessment will identify specific requirements.
Can I do the fire risk assessment myself?
While the Responsible Person may carry out the assessment, open air events involve complex and dynamic risks including temporary structures, catering concessions, and large numbers of the public. Using a qualified specialist ensures all hazards are properly identified and helps demonstrate due diligence to local authorities, fire services, and insurers.