The Hidden Fire Risks That Come With Summer
Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and — if you're not paying attention — a significant increase in fire risk. Whether you manage a commercial premises, a block of flats, or a business with outdoor space, the change in season brings a fresh set of hazards that are easy to overlook.
Here's what you need to be aware of.
1. Barbecues and Outdoor Cooking
It's the most obvious one, but it causes serious fires every year. Disposable barbecues placed directly on dry grass, portable gas units left unattended, and embers that haven't been fully extinguished before disposal — all of these are genuine ignition risks.
For businesses with outdoor areas — pub gardens, hospitality venues, care home grounds — this needs to be part of your fire risk assessment. Staff should know the procedures, and designated barbecue areas should be clearly defined and managed.
2. Increased Arson Risk
Statistically, arson incidents rise in the summer months. Longer evenings, more people out and about, and dry vegetation around the perimeter of buildings all contribute.
Review your external security arrangements. Bins and recycling should never be stored directly against a building — they are one of the most common arson targets. Good external lighting and clear sightlines around your premises reduce opportunity.
3. Dry Vegetation and Landscaping
A dry summer turns grass verges, hedgerows, and landscaped areas into tinder. If your premises has any significant amount of green space, consider how close it sits to the building and whether a fire in that vegetation could spread.
This is particularly relevant for rural businesses, schools, care homes, and industrial sites on the edges of towns.
4. Increased Solar Gain and Overheating
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of electrical equipment overheating. Server rooms, plant rooms, and areas housing electrical panels all need adequate ventilation. Air conditioning units running at full capacity for extended periods can develop faults.
It's worth doing a walk-round of your electrical and mechanical plant during a hot spell, not just as a tick-box exercise but with fresh eyes.
5. Windows Left Open and Fire Compartmentation
People leave windows and doors open in hot weather — completely understandably. But fire doors propped open to let air circulate destroy the compartmentation your building depends on. A fire that might have been contained to one room can spread rapidly through a building when fire doors are held open.
If overheating is a genuine problem in your building, address it properly — through ventilation, cooling, or management controls — rather than accepting propped fire doors as the default.
6. Construction and Maintenance Work
Summer is peak season for building works, refurbishment, and maintenance. Hot works — cutting, grinding, welding — are a leading cause of fires in commercial premises. Contractors don't always understand your building the way you do.
Make sure any hot works permit system is being followed, that contractors are briefed on your fire procedures, and that adequate fire watch arrangements are in place after work finishes each day.
7. Increased Footfall and Events
If your premises hosts summer events — outdoor markets, fetes, open days — the temporary change in how your building is used needs to be reflected in your fire risk arrangements. Escape routes may be altered, additional people unfamiliar with the building will be present, and additional cooking or electrical equipment may be brought on site.
A temporary or event-specific fire risk review is good practice before any significant change in use.
Don't Wait for an Incident
Many businesses treat fire risk assessments as an annual paperwork exercise. But your fire risk changes with the seasons, with the weather, and with how your building is being used. Summer is a good prompt to revisit your assessment — or to commission one if it's overdue.
Whale Fire provides professional fire risk assessments for commercial premises, landlords, and businesses across the UK. Get in touch to find out how we can help you stay compliant and keep your people safe. Contact Us - Whale Fire
