Fire Safety at Events

Negligence on the part of the owner of the premises or the organiser of the event can result in injury to workers and patrons. Organisers have a common law duty of care toward persons involved in an event, including the audience, performers, suppliers and event staff.

Performing a Fire Risk Assessment

Whether you're hosting an event in a permanent venue, a marquee or a temporary outdoor event space, carrying out a fire risk assessment is always the best course of action. This is the best way to know you’re doing everything practically possible to prevent a fire and ensure your event is safe. Here's how to do it.

Hazard Spotting

Walk around your venue and make a note of the things that could start a fire, including sources of ignition and things that can burn and act as a fuel source.

Lighting, heating, generators, cooking equipment, naked flames, electrical and gas equipment all have the potential to start a fire. This could be because of a stray spark or the heat they produce. That is why they then need to be kept well away from flammable items that could ignite, like fabrics, paper, rubbish, alcohol, flammable liquids and gases.

Consider Who’s At Risk

The people attending and working at your event, whether they’re cleaners, security, caterers or the main attraction, are most at risk from a fire.

Remember to consider those with mobility issues, the elderly and children as they may need extra assistance during an evacuation.

Evaluate and Act

You can now take action to reduce the risk of a fire by moving sources of ignition and sources of fuel as appropriate. You may also want to either ban smoking completely or restrict it to a dedicated area. To prevent arson, you should think about padlocking waste bins too.

You can also take steps to prepare for a fire should one start. In a dedicated events venue, fire alarm systems and emergency lighting are probably already installed, along with fire exit signs and doors.

In a marquee or outside event, this is less likely. You probably won't have an automatic method of detecting smoke and raising the alarm, so you'll need to put in place a suitable alternative. A rotary fire bell or gas horn are just two other ways you can raise the alarm.

Generally, you also need at least a 3 litre water-based fire extinguisher for every 200 square metres of floor space. Water-based extinguishers include water, water additive or foam. For specific threats, like cooking oils, flammable liquids and electrical equipment, appropriate fire extinguishers need to be located nearby.

Inside an event venue, fire extinguishers will ideally be mounted on the wall. For outdoor events, you may choose a trolley for easy mobility or a cabinet to shelter the equipment from the elements.

Record, Plan and Train

Once you have performed a fire risk assessment, you can create an emergency plan outlining where the fire safety equipment and fire assembly points are located. You also need to ensure you have staff or volunteers who can act as fire wardens and have received relevant training.

It is advised that you get an experienced person to carry out your fire risk assessment. You should also ensure that it is reviewed annually or whenever there is a major change to your building or premises.

Tell Dublin Fire Brigade About your Event

If you want to hold a small event, you can notify Dublin Fie Brigade directly using the contact details below. For large events, you will have to apply for an Occasional Licence and Dublin Fire Brigade will be notified by your solicitor as part of this process.

If you intend to run a national event or an event welcoming over 5,000 people, you may require additional specialist help. To learn more about events of this kind see the Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations.

Dublin City Council's Event Organiser Guide is also useful for organisers. It includes information about pre-event planning, providing a safe venue, conducting a full risk assessment and preparing for the unexpected.

For more information on fire prevention and the responsibilities of business owners, check out Fire Safety for Businesses page.