Temporary structures and event venues require specific fire safety consideration. This guide covers UK requirements for marquees, festivals, and pop-up venues.. Temporary Structure Fire Risks Temporary structures and outdoor events present unique fire safety challenges: Materials : Fabric, plastic, timber β many combustible Duration : Short term use limits investment in fire protection Occupancy : Large numbers in unfamiliar environments Infrastructure : Limited water supplies, access roads, communications Weather : Wind, rain, heat affecting fire risk and evacuation Alcohol : Events involving alcohol consumption affect occupant behaviour Regulatory Framework RRO 2005 Applies to all temporary structures used as 'regulated premises' Fire risk assessment required even for single use events Responsible Person: event organiser or venue owner Must consider specific risks of temporary construction Licensing Act 2003 Premises licence or Temporary Event Notice (TEN) Fire safety conditions may be imposed on licence Safety Advisory Group (SAG) review for significant events Capacity limits based on fire safety assessment Purple Guide (Events Industry Forum) Industry standard for event safety management Comprehensive guidance on fire safety at events Covers temporary structures, camping, pyrotechnics, catering Risk assessment methodology for event specific hazards Marquee Fire Safety Material Standards BS 7837: Fire retardancy of marquee fabrics PVC coated polyester: inherently flame retardant Canvas: must be treated with fire retardant Linings and drapes: BS 5867 Part 2 Type B minimum Certificates of flame retardancy required for all fabrics Layout and Escape Maximum travel distance: 18m to a marquee exit Minimum exit width: 1.1m per 60 persons Exits distributed around perimeter (not all on one side) Emergency lighting (battery operated, minimum 1 lux) Clear exit signage visible from all positions Perimeter clearance for fire service access Heating Gas heaters: ventilation requirements, CO detection Electrical heaters: PAT testing, clearance from combustibles Open flame heaters: prohibited in most event marquees Generator placement: outside marquee, exhaust away from structure Festival and Large Event Fire Safety Site Fire Safety Plan Fire risk assessment for entire site layout Emergency vehicle access routes (minimum 3.7m width) Water supply points for fire fighting Fire point locations with appropriate extinguishers Site wide fire alarm or communication system Designated fire assembly areas Catering and Food Vendors LPG storage and usage management Cooking equipment safety (deep fat fryers, BBQs, wood fired ovens) Separation distances between food units Fire extinguisher provision per unit LPG cylinder exchange and storage procedures Extract and ventilation for cooking fumes Camping Areas Tent separation distances (minimum 3m recommended) BBQ and cooking restrictions in camping areas Fire lane access through camping fields Fire point provision in camping areas Communication system for camping area emergencies Night patrol by fire trained stewards Pyrotechnics at Events Firework Displays Licensed pyrotechnician required Minimum separation distances from audience Fall out zone calculations based on shell size Fire service notification requirement Post display site inspection for smouldering debris Stage Effects Low level pyrotechnics: flame, flash, smoke effects Risk assessment for each effect Rehearsal with fire safety officer present Emergency cut off accessible to stage manager Performer safety briefing before show Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD β UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy π magnus opifex.co.uk π +44 (0) 20 3488 1926 βοΈ info@magnusopifex.co.uk Founded by Daniel Sheridan, Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers award winning fire engineering, fire risk assessments, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally.