Church fire risk assessment
Churches and other places of worship are covered by the same law as any other non-domestic building. Candles, old heating systems and historic buildings with few exits make a careful assessment important.
Start the church and place of worship template
What the law asks
- Assess the fire risk of the premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 if you are the Responsible Person: usually the employer, owner or whoever controls the premises.
- Record all the findings, your fire safety arrangements and who carried out the assessment. Since 1 October 2023 this applies to every Responsible Person, whatever the size of the business (Building Safety Act 2022, section 156).
- Review it regularly and whenever something significant changes.
Government guide for this type of premises: Fire safety risk assessment: small and medium places of assembly. Checked October 2026. FireRiskKit is written for England and Wales.
Typical fire hazards
- Candles, oil lamps and incense
- Old wiring and heating systems
- Stored hymn books, flowers and seasonal decorations
- Hot work during roof or building repairs
- Arson against an unoccupied building
People at risk
- Congregations at large services and festivals
- Older people and anyone who needs help to escape
- Volunteers and visitors when the building is open
Precautions to check
- Candles in stable holders, away from fabrics, and never left unattended
- Electrical installation inspected and heating serviced
- Exits unlocked during services and kept clear
- Stewards who know what to do in an emergency
- Building secured when unoccupied
Choose “Church and place of worship” in FireRiskKit and the template asks about these points, then turns every gap into a dated action with an owner.
When to use a professional
A small chapel can be assessed by a churchwarden or trustee. Use a competent assessor for large or listed buildings, those with galleries or towers, or where works are planned.
Fill in the template in your browser, add your own findings and download a signed PDF with the action plan.
Start the free templateQuestions
Who is the Responsible Person for a church?
Usually the body that controls the building, such as the parochial church council or trustees. Your denomination may have its own guidance and insurance requirements.
Do we need emergency lighting?
Where people use the building after dark and escape routes would not be lit, yes. Your assessment decides where it is needed.
Other premises
See also: Do I need a fire risk assessment? · Fire risk assessment checklist