Marquees, tents and pop-up structures are used for weddings, community events, markets and hospitality. They go up quickly, hold lots of people and are often fitted with heaters, lighting and cooking equipment, which is why planning matters.
Why temporary structures need extra thought
- Fabric and decorations can burn.
- Heaters, generators and cooking equipment are often close to people.
- Exits can be hard to see or may be blocked by tables and stock.
- Crowds arrive at once and may be unfamiliar with the layout.
- Lighting and power are often temporary, with cables across walkways.
What organisers should think about
- Check that fabric and decorations are suitable and ask the supplier for their fire information.
- Keep heaters, generators, gas and cooking well away from walls and fabric, and secure gas cylinders.
- Plan clear, signed exits, with enough width for the numbers expected, and keep them clear.
- Provide suitable extinguishers and make sure someone knows how to use them.
- Protect cables from damage and keep them out of walkways.
- Brief staff and volunteers on the alarm, exits and meeting point.
- Think about night-time lighting and emergency lighting.
Your duties
The person in control of the event space has duties under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 to take reasonable measures to guard against fire and protect people. Employers also have duties to staff under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. For larger events, speak to the relevant authorities early.
Key areas to think about before the event
- Materials. Ask the supplier for information on the fire performance of the fabric and linings, and keep it with your event records.
- Exits. There should be enough clear exits, in sensible places, wide enough for the numbers expected and marked so guests can find them.
- Layout. Keep tables, bars, stages and decor from blocking gangways and exits.
- Heating, generators and cooking. Position them safely away from the fabric and from people, and make sure they are installed and used by competent people. See our article on gas cylinders and LPG.
- Electrics and lighting. Temporary wiring and lights should be installed by a competent person and checked before use.
- Naked flames. Candles, heaters, fireworks and flame effects need particular care and should be agreed in advance.
- Fire-fighting equipment and alarm. Provide suitable extinguishers and a way of raising the alarm and telling everyone to leave. Our fire extinguisher page explains what we do.
- Staff and stewards. Brief them on exits, the assembly point and what to do. See our assembly point guide.
Check with the right people
For larger or public events you may need to talk to the local authority, including the fire service, well before the day. Rules and permissions vary with the type of event, so do not assume that an existing premises licence or insurance covers a temporary structure. If you are unsure, ask.
Why a written fire risk assessment helps
Writing down who might be at risk, what could start a fire and what you have done about it is the best way to show reasonable care. We carry out fire risk assessments for premises and event organisers in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Talk to us
A fire risk assessment can help you plan layouts, equipment and procedures. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie. See our guide to fire exits and escape routes.
Safer Solutions also supplies and maintains portable extinguishers. Find out more about our fire extinguisher service or email info@safersolutions.ie.