Temporary structures at events present unique fire safety challenges. We examine the regulatory framework, risk factors, and best practice for UK event organisers.. The Invisible Fire Risk Every year, thousands of temporary structures are erected across the UK for weddings, festivals, corporate events, exhibitions, and seasonal markets. From modest garden marquees to vast temporary concert venues accommodating tens of thousands, these structures share a common characteristic: they were not designed or built as permanent buildings, and the fire safety provisions that protect occupants of permanent buildings often do not exist. The regulatory framework for temporary structures is fragmented across multiple legislative instruments, and enforcement is inconsistent. This creates conditions where serious fire safety failures go unidentified until disaster strikes. Regulatory Framework Temporary structures in the UK are regulated through several overlapping frameworks: Licensing Licensing Act 2003 — premises licence or Temporary Event Notice (TEN) required for licensable activities Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) — multi agency groups advising local authorities on event safety Event Management Plans — required by most local authorities for significant events Fire Safety Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — applies to temporary structures when in use as a workplace or public venue Fire risk assessment mandatory for the Responsible Person Fire and Rescue Service may inspect and enforce Building Standards BS 7837 — Guide to fire safety in temporary structures (marquees, tents) Performance Textile Association (MUTA) guidance — industry standards for marquee fire safety BS EN 13782 — Temporary structures (tents), safety requirements Key Fire Safety Risks Fabric and Materials Marquee fabrics must meet BS 7837 flame retardancy requirements Lining materials (drapes, swags) must be treated or inherently flame retardant Flooring — carpet and matting in marquees must comply with BS 4790 Furnishings — seating, staging, and decoration must meet appropriate fire performance standards Heating Temporary heating is a leading cause of marquee fires LPG heaters — cylinder storage, ventilation, separation distances Electric heaters — temporary electrical installations, overloading Open flame features — fire pits, braziers, chimineas Catering Temporary kitchens with gas or electric cooking equipment Barbecues and outdoor cooking Food trucks and mobile catering vehicles LPG supply and storage for catering Electrical Temporary electrical installations must comply with BS 7909 Generator positioning and fuel storage Wet weather and electrical safety Stage lighting and effects — heat sources near combustible materials Pyrotechnics and Special Effects Indoor pyrotechnics, flames, and fireworks Smoke machines and haze effects Laser effects — fire risk from high powered lasers on combustible surfaces Emergency Planning Effective emergency planning for temporary structures includes: Capacity management — calculated maximum occupancy based on exit capacity Exit provision — minimum two independent exits, more for larger structures Emergency lighting — battery powered provisions independent of main supply Fire extinguishers — appropriate type and number for the risks present Evacuation procedures — briefed to all staff, tested before public admission Fire service access — maintained routes for fire appliances, hydrant access Communication — PA system, radio communication for stewards, fire service liaison For event fire safety planning and temporary structure assessment, contact Magnus Opifex.