Fire Safety Statistics year end June 2024

129,541

Fires

References:

UK Home Office (2024) Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics, England: Year Ending June 2024. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-june-2024 (Accessed: 10 March 2025).

243

Fire Fatalities

For workplace fire statistics from Morgan Clark:

Morgan Clark Loss Assessors (2024) Common Causes of Workplace Fires in the UK. Available at: https://www.morganclark.co.uk/about-us/blog/common-causes-of-workplace-fires-in-the-uk/ (Accessed: 10 March 2025).

2,718

Fire related injuries

Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2024) Crime in England and Wales: Year Ending September 2023. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingseptember2023 (Accessed: 10 March 2025).

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a fundamental component of fire safety and prevention. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of a building, its occupants, and the activities conducted within it to identify potential fire hazards. By understanding these risks, appropriate fire safety measures can be implemented to ensure the safety of individuals and minimise the likelihood of a fire occurring.

A fire risk assessment should consider:

The nature of the premises and its usage.
The people who use or occupy the building, including vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, elderly occupants, or children.
Potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen that could contribute to a fire.
Existing fire safety measures and their effectiveness.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and the provision of fire safety training for staff or residents.

The ultimate aim of a fire risk assessment is to mitigate fire risks, improve overall safety, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, conducting a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for those responsible for premises that are not classified as a 'single private dwelling' (a private home). This includes, but is not limited to:

Workplaces
Commercial buildings
Residential buildings with communal areas (such as blocks of flats)
Educational institutions
Healthcare premises
Industrial facilities
Hospitality and leisure venues
Residential Care Homes

It is the duty of the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure fire precautions are in place ‘as far as reasonably practicable’ (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Part 2, Article 8). This individual is defined under the legislation as:

The employer, if the premises is a workplace under their control.
The person with control of the premises in connection with any trade, business, or other undertaking.
The owner, where no other party has control over fire safety.

In practical terms, the responsible person could be an employer, landlord, building owner, or appointed managing agent. They must take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce fire hazards and ensure that fire safety arrangements are suitable and sufficient. Failure to comply with these duties can result in legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

The fire risk assessment must be conducted by a competent person, meaning someone with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to accurately assess fire risks and recommend appropriate safety measures. This requirement applies regardless of the complexity of the building or its use.

Is it a Legal Requirement to Record the Findings of a Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes. As of 1st October 2023, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 amended the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, requiring that all fire risk assessments be recorded in writing, regardless of the number of employees or whether a licence is in place.

A recorded fire risk assessment should include:

Identification of fire hazards, including sources of ignition and combustible materials.
Evaluation of escape routes and emergency exits.
Active fire protection measures, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems.
Passive fire protection, including compartmentation, fire doors, and fire-resistant materials.
Management procedures, such as emergency plans, fire drills, and staff training.
Identification of any required improvements or remedial actions, along with a timeline for implementation.
A record of all findings, not just significant ones.

The assessment should be benchmarked against relevant fire safety legislation and guidance produced under Article 50 by the Secretary of State (England) or the Welsh Ministers (Wales).

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

According to Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain valid. Specifically, they must be updated when:

There is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer accurate.
Significant changes occur within the premises, including structural modifications, changes in occupancy, or alterations in fire safety management.

A revised assessment is legally required if any changes could impact fire safety, such as:

Modifications to the building’s layout.
Introduction of new processes, equipment, or machinery that may increase fire risk.
Changes in the type or number of occupants, including those requiring additional support in an evacuation.
Installation, removal, or changes to fire safety measures, such as fire alarms or emergency lighting.

Changes Introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 has further strengthened fire risk assessment requirements. Under these amendments:

All fire risk assessments must be recorded in writing, regardless of the number of employees or the nature of the premises.
The responsible person must regularly review and update the fire risk assessment to ensure it reflects any changes in building use, fire safety measures, or occupancy levels.
Greater accountability has been placed on duty-holders to act on the findings of fire risk assessments and ensure remedial actions are carried out promptly.

A competent fire risk assessor should include a date of review for the fire risk assessment however this may be sooner depending on relevant changes.

Competency in Fire Risk Assessment

Competency in Fire Risk Assessment

Fire risk assessments & reviews must be carried out by a competent person, as specified under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which also includes requirements for the competency of those reviewing fire risk assessments. Competency requires a thorough understanding of fire safety principles, risk assessment methodologies, and relevant legislation. A competent person should have:

Sufficient technical knowledge of fire hazards and fire prevention measures.
Training in fire risk assessment principles and methodologies.
Experience in conducting assessments for similar types of premises.
An understanding of fire safety legislation and industry standards.

This requirement applies to all buildings, irrespective of complexity. A competent person must be able to conduct an assessment that is appropriate for the specific risks and characteristics of the premises.

For complex or high-risk buildings, it is advisable to engage a specialist fire risk assessor with appropriate qualifications and accreditations. This ensures a thorough and legally compliant assessment, reducing the risk of fire and ensuring the safety of occupants.

Review Dates for Fire Risk Assessments

It is essential that each fire risk assessment includes a recommended date for its next review. This date should be adhered to, as it aligns with legislative requirements to maintain up-to-date fire safety measures. Regular reviews ensure that any changes in the premises, occupancy, or fire safety arrangements are appropriately addressed, thereby maintaining a safe environment for all occupants.

The Main Top Hotel Widnes.

Fire safety is not just a legal obligation—it is a crucial responsibility that protects lives, businesses, and livelihoods. The case of The Main Top Hotel in Widnes serves as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when fire safety measures are ignored. This real-world example demonstrates the severe consequences of failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, and why compliance is essential for all businesses.

The Incident

In 2022, William Scott Anthony Hanson, the owner of The Main Top Hotel, was found guilty of multiple fire safety breaches under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The investigation revealed serious and widespread fire safety failures, including:

No fire alarm system in place, meaning occupants would have had no warning in the event of a fire.
Blocked and obstructed escape routes, making safe evacuation impossible.
Combustible materials stored in corridors, increasing fire spread risk.
Lack of emergency lighting, leaving guests unable to find escape routes in an emergency.
Missing and poorly maintained fire doors, allowing fire and smoke to spread rapidly.
No fire risk assessment, meaning hazards were never properly identified or addressed.

A Prohibition Notice was issued by fire authorities, legally preventing the building from being used as accommodation until the issues were rectified. However, a follow-up inspection found that the hotel was still being used, despite these serious fire safety deficiencies.

The Consequences

Failing to meet legal fire safety obligations comes with serious penalties, as Hanson discovered when he was sentenced to:

✔ 12 months in prison (suspended for two years)
✔ £5,000 in legal costs
✔ 80 hours of unpaid community service
✔ 35 days of rehabilitation activity

Judge Garrett Byrne described his actions as “cynical” and “flagrant,” putting profit over people’s safety by ignoring legally enforceable fire safety measures.

Lee Shears, Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, highlighted the case as a clear warning to all business owners, stating that fire safety laws exist to protect lives, and failing to comply will lead to serious consequences.

The Importance of a Fire Risk Assessment

This case demonstrates why a thorough and legally compliant fire risk assessment is essential for all businesses.

✅ Identifies potential fire hazards before they become a risk
✅ Ensures escape routes are accessible and safe
✅ Confirms that fire detection and warning systems are in place
✅ Helps businesses comply with fire safety legislation, avoiding fines or prosecution
✅ Protects staff, customers, and business assets from fire

Had The Main Top Hotel conducted and acted upon a professional fire risk assessment, these failures could have been avoided, and the owner would not have faced legal action and may still have his business today.

Don’t Let This Happen to Your Business

Fire safety isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it is a legal duty that safeguards lives and businesses. Failing to comply can lead to serious financial loss, legal penalties, reputational damage, and even imprisonment.

A fire risk assessment is a simple, effective way to identify risks, ensure compliance, and provide peace of mind.

If you own or manage a business, don’t take the risk—get in touch today to schedule a comprehensive fire risk assessment.

Stay compliant. Stay safe. Protect your business.

Will your insurance policy cover you?

How a Missing Fire Risk Assessment Can Invalidate Insurance

A fire risk assessment is not only a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises but also a critical factor in maintaining valid insurance coverage. Many property owners and businesses wrongly assume they are fully covered, only to have their claims denied due to the absence of a documented fire risk assessment.

Why Insurers Deny Claims Without a Fire Risk Assessment

Insurance companies may reject claims if a fire risk assessment is missing, incomplete, or outdated, based on the following reasons:

Breach of Policy Conditions – Most commercial insurance policies include a requirement for compliance with fire safety regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Without a fire risk assessment, insurers may consider the policyholder in breach of their terms.
Negligence – Failure to conduct a fire risk assessment may be seen as negligence, as it demonstrates a lack of reasonable precautions to prevent a fire.
Failure to Meet Legal Requirements – Under UK fire safety law, responsible persons must carry out and regularly review fire risk assessments. Insurers may use non-compliance as grounds to reject a claim.
Increased Risk Exposure – Without a fire risk assessment, there is no proof that fire hazards were identified and mitigated, leading insurers to view the risk as too high to cover.

Consequences of Invalid Insurance Due to a Missing Fire Risk Assessment

Financial Losses – If an insurance claim is denied, the cost of repairs, rebuilding, and loss of business falls entirely on the property owner.
Legal Penalties – Authorities can impose fines or prosecution for non-compliance with fire safety legislation.
Business Disruption – Without financial support, recovering from a fire may be impossible, leading to permanent closure or severe operational setbacks.

Ensuring Compliance to Protect Insurance Coverage

To avoid invalid insurance claims, businesses and property owners should:

Conduct a fire risk assessment by a competent person in line with legal requirements.
Regularly review and update the assessment, particularly if significant changes occur within the premises.
Maintain clear records of all fire safety precautions to demonstrate compliance if required by insurers.

Conclusion

Failing to provide a suitable fire risk assessment can result in an insurance claim being denied, leaving businesses and property owners exposed to significant financial and legal risks. Ensuring a valid fire risk assessment is in place protects not only lives but also financial security in the event of a fire.