Summer Events Fire Safety Checklist: What Organisers and Venue Managers Need to Check 

Summer events bring people together, from community fairs and charity fundraisers to weddings, food festivals and corporate gatherings.

They can also introduce fire risks that are not present during normal day-to-day use. Temporary structures, additional electrical equipment, catering appliances and unfamiliar layouts all need to be considered before visitors arrive. 

Whether an event takes place inside an established venue, under a marquee or across an outdoor site, fire safety must form part of the planning process. The person or organisation responsible for the event should understand who is managing each aspect of fire safety and make sure the arrangements are documented and communicated. 

Review the event, not just the venue 

An existing fire risk assessment may not fully cover a one-off event. A changed layout, increased number of visitors, temporary stage, catering operation or new activity may alter the level of risk. Review the assessment in advance and record any additional precautions. If a venue is being hired, the responsibilities of the owner, venue manager and event organiser should be agreed clearly. 

Keep escape routes clear and easy to understand 

Plan how people will leave every part of the site. Exits should be unlocked, unobstructed and easy to open without a key or code while the event is occupied. Routes across grass, temporary flooring or uneven ground must remain safe and usable. Keep marquees, barriers, displays, cables, waste and parked vehicles away from exits and access routes. Consider how children, older people and anyone who may need assistance will evacuate. 

Check temporary electrics and catering equipment 

Temporary electrical installations should be suitable for the environment and installed by competent people. Avoid overloaded sockets, damaged extension leads and unprotected cables. Generators, fuel, LPG cylinders, cooking oils and hot equipment require careful positioning and control. Food traders should understand their own responsibilities and provide evidence that their equipment and procedures are suitable. 

Provide the right warning and firefighting equipment 

Everyone must be able to recognise the fire warning, including in noisy areas. Confirm how the alarm will be raised and what backup arrangement applies if a system fails. Suitable extinguishers should be provided for the identified risks, positioned where trained people can reach them without putting themselves in danger. Equipment should never encourage somebody to fight a fire instead of escaping. 

Brief staff, volunteers and contractors 

Before opening, explain the alarm signal, exit routes, assembly points and who will call the fire and rescue service. Allocate people to supervise key areas and support evacuation. Staff should know that their priority is to raise the alarm, guide people to safety and never re-enter the site. Repeat the briefing when shifts change. 

Complete a final walk-through 

Shortly before visitors arrive, walk the complete site. Check exits, routes, signage, lighting, alarm arrangements, extinguishers, waste storage and emergency access. Continue monitoring throughout the event because bins fill, furniture moves and crowds gather. 

Professional support provides reassurance 

A well-planned event should feel welcoming, not restrictive. Proportionate precautions allow people to enjoy themselves while organisers remain prepared for an emergency. Fire Guard Services can support venues and organisers across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, London and Northamptonshire with practical fire safety advice and assessments.