Temple & Mosque Fire Risk Assessment

Need a fire risk assessment for your temple, mosque, gurdwara, synagogue or place of worship? Compare up to three quotes from assessors in the FireRiskQuote network.

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Page reviewed: September 2026

Temple & Mosque Fire Risk Assessment — Quick Facts

  • Property: Temples, mosques, gurdwaras, synagogues, churches and other places of worship
  • Service: Compare up to 3 quotes
  • Indicative price: Smaller places of worship start from £350
  • Key issues: Ceremonial flames (candles, lamps, diyas), shoe storage areas, large congregations, heritage buildings, community events
  • England & Wales: All non-domestic premises fall within the Fire Safety Order[reference:0]
  • Scotland: Separate fire safety legislation applies[reference:1]

Do Temples and Mosques Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, synagogues, churches and other places of worship[reference:2][reference:3]. The responsible person must ensure fire safety risks are properly assessed and managed[reference:4].

Places of worship have unique fire risks, including ceremonial flames (candles, oil lamps, diyas, incense), large congregations gathering at specific times, buildings of historical or architectural significance, and community activities such as shared meals and events[reference:5][reference:6]. Many places of worship are also listed or heritage buildings, adding conservation considerations to fire safety planning.

The Government has produced specific guidance for large places of assembly (over 300 people)[reference:7] and small and medium places of assembly (up to 300 people)[reference:8], which includes places of worship.

Important: A temple or mosque fire risk assessment must consider ceremonial flames and their safe use, large congregations during prayer times and festivals, heritage building features, shoe storage areas (a particular concern in mosques[reference:9]), and community kitchen and dining facilities.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety in a Place of Worship?

The responsible person is typically the management committee, trustees, religious leader, or person who has control of the premises[reference:10]. For many places of worship, this is the council or body of trustees with care and management of the building[reference:11].

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has produced specific Fire Safety Guidance for Mosques, recommending that mosques liaise with fire services or expert companies to conduct comprehensive fire safety risk assessments[reference:12]. For a Church of England parish church, the Parochial Church Council will typically be the Responsible Person[reference:13].

Where more than one person has control, duties are shared and everyone must cooperate[reference:14]. The Building Safety Act 2022 (Section 156) brought additional duties for Responsible Persons under the Fire Safety Order[reference:15].

What Does a Temple or Mosque Fire Risk Assessment Cover?

A fire risk assessment for a place of worship examines the building, activities, people at risk, and fire precautions — with a focus on ceremonial practices and congregation safety.

  • Means of escape: routes, exits, signage and accessibility (including for elderly and disabled worshippers)
  • Fire doors: condition and suitability, especially between main prayer halls, kitchens, and storage areas
  • Compartmentation: walls, floors and fire-resisting construction
  • Detection and warning: fire alarm systems suitable for places of worship (auditory and visual for hearing-impaired)
  • Emergency lighting: essential for escape routes in large or historic buildings
  • Firefighting equipment: extinguishers, fire blankets and their location
  • Ceremonial flames: candles, oil lamps, diyas, incense – safe use, location, stands, and supervision[reference:16]
  • Shoe storage areas: particularly in mosques – ensuring they do not obstruct escape routes[reference:17]
  • Kitchen and communal dining: cooking equipment, extraction and grease build-up
  • Electrical risks: older wiring, sound systems, portable appliances, and temporary event equipment[reference:18]
  • Heating: boilers, space heaters and heat-producing equipment
  • Washing and ablution areas: water and electrical safety
  • Heritage and listed buildings: fire precautions compatible with conservation requirements[reference:19]
  • Storage: religious texts, fabrics, furnishings and ceremonial items
  • People at risk: worshippers (including elderly, disabled, and children), staff, volunteers and visitors
  • Arson prevention: regular review of fire risk assessment taking into account the threat of arson[reference:20]
  • Management: training for staff and volunteers, fire drills, maintenance schedules, and emergency plans[reference:21]
  • Large gatherings: capacity planning for festivals, Eid prayers, and special events[reference:22]

Temple and Mosque Fire Risk Assessment Costs

Temple and mosque fire risk assessment costs vary depending on the size, heritage status, congregation numbers, facilities (kitchen, communal areas, etc.), and complexity of the building.

As a guide, smaller places of worship may start from around £350. Larger or listed buildings may cost more due to the additional specialist knowledge required.

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 a Temple or Mosque Fire Risk Assessor

Experience with places of worship and heritage buildings is valuable when choosing an assessor.

Place of Worship Experience

Choose an assessor who understands the unique fire risks of places of worship, including ceremonial flames, large congregations, and heritage considerations.

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 and the assessor's experience with places of worship.

Information to Give a Temple or Mosque Fire Risk Assessor

  • Property address and postcode
  • Listed building grade (if applicable)
  • Age and construction type
  • Number of storeys and floor area
  • Typical congregation size and peak capacity
  • Heritage features and significance
  • Ceremonial practices involving flames (candles, lamps, etc.)
  • Number of staff, volunteers, and trustees
  • Facilities available (kitchen, communal dining, shoe storage, etc.)
  • Fire alarm and detection details
  • Fire door and compartmentation information
  • Previous fire risk assessment
  • Enforcement notices or outstanding actions
  • Recent alterations, extensions or changes of use

How a Temple or Mosque Fire Risk Assessment Works

1. Tell Us About Your Place of Worship

Provide location, size, congregation numbers 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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Temple and Mosque Fire Risk Assessment FAQs

Do temples and mosques need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, synagogues, and other places of worship[reference:23]. The responsible person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out[reference:24].

Who is responsible for fire safety in a temple or mosque?

The responsible person is typically the management committee, trustees, religious leader, or person who has control of the premises[reference:25]. For many places of worship, this is the council or body of trustees with care and management of the building[reference:26]. They must ensure fire safety duties are met.

How much does a temple or mosque fire risk assessment cost?

Costs vary depending on the size, heritage status, congregation numbers and complexity of the building. As a guide, smaller places of worship may start from around £350. Larger or listed buildings may cost more.

What does a temple or mosque fire risk assessment include?

It covers means of escape, fire doors, compartmentation, detection and warning, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, ceremonial items (candles, lamps, oil), shoe storage areas, kitchen and communal facilities, electrical risks, and management arrangements for congregations and events[reference:27].

Is there specific guidance for mosques?

Yes. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has produced Fire Safety Guidance for Mosques, recommending that mosques liaise with fire services or expert companies to conduct comprehensive fire safety risk assessments[reference:28].

Can I compare more than one place of worship 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.

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Disclaimer: 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. For places of worship, consider guidance from Fire safety risk assessment: large places of assembly or small and medium places of assembly. The Muslim Council of Britain has published Fire Safety Guidance for Mosques.

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