Outdoor Event Fire Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

An outdoor event fire risk assessment is a comprehensive evaluation document that identifies fire hazards, assesses risks, and outlines control measures for outdoor events in England and Wales. This assessment is legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and serves as your primary tool for ensuring fire safety compliance and protecting attendees at outdoor gatherings.

When do you need this document?

You must complete a fire risk assessment before hosting any outdoor event where members of the public will be present. This includes music festivals, outdoor markets, food festivals, sporting events, firework displays, and corporate outdoor gatherings. The assessment is required regardless of event size, though larger events with higher attendance numbers will need more detailed assessments. Local authorities typically require this document as part of the licensing process, and you may need to submit it alongside your event application. Fire and rescue services may also request to review your assessment during pre-event inspections.

Key legal considerations

Your fire risk assessment must identify all potential ignition sources, including electrical equipment, cooking facilities, heating systems, and smoking areas. You need to evaluate fire load from temporary structures, vendor stalls, decorations, and stored materials. The assessment must cover evacuation procedures, including multiple escape routes, assembly points, and provisions for disabled attendees. You're required to specify fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency lighting. The document should detail staff training requirements and assign specific fire safety responsibilities to named individuals. Weather conditions and seasonal fire risks must also be considered, particularly during dry periods when grass fires are more likely.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you as the event organizer are the "responsible person" who must ensure fire safety compliance. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires you to protect employees and members of the public from fire risks. Your assessment must follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which mandate systematic risk evaluation and control measures. The government's "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Open Air Events and Venues" guidance provides specific standards for outdoor events. You must maintain written records of your assessment, review it regularly, and update it when circumstances change. Local authority building control and licensing departments may impose additional requirements specific to your venue and event type. Failure to complete an adequate fire risk assessment can result in prohibition notices, prosecution, and unlimited fines.