Church fire risk assessment

05 February 2025

Reduce the risk of fire at your church with help from our fire risk assessment template and supporting guides.

Fire safety in churches

All churches should complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment to help them comply with the legislation and regulations regarding fire safety in places of public assembly

To comply with the regulations, a competent person must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that considers, amongst other things:

Ignition sources
Suitable means of detecting and raising the alarm in the event of a fire
Adequate emergency escape routes and exits
An appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers
The correct type and sufficient number of fire signs and notices
Provision for the correct maintenance of fire equipment
Suitable provision for the protection of fire service personnel
Ensure the occupants receive the appropriate instruction/training in actions to be taken in the event of a fire, using evacuation drills
The effect a fire could have on neighbours.

Where three or more persons are employed, a formal record must be made of any significant findings and remedial measures, which have been or may need to be taken.

Church fire safety plan

If a fire should occur, it’s important to have a plan to keep people safe. Arrangements must be made to ensure that a fire can be detected and that persons can evacuate from the building safely. Details of the roles and responsibilities that should be considered are outlined in our fire safety guidance.