Church Fire Safety Tips
Fire Risk Assessments for Churches – Protecting Your People, Property and Purpose
Churches are more than places of worship—they are often community hubs, heritage buildings, and multifunctional spaces used for services, events, community groups, and outreach work. With this important role comes legal responsibility.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every church building, church hall, and presbytery used by the public must have a suitable and up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) in place. This is not only a legal requirement—it is a critical step in protecting the people who use your buildings, safeguarding valuable property, and maintaining the mission of your church.
Why keeping your Fire Risk Assessment up to date is essential
Legal Duty
The ‘Responsible Person’ (often the Parish Priest, Trustees, or Churchwardens) is legally required to ensure a current and suitable FRA is in place and reviewed annually. Failing to do so can result in enforcement action by the Fire and Rescue Service.
Changing Buildings and Activities
Churches often evolve over time. From introducing new groups and equipment to changes in layout, storage, or heating, even small updates can affect the fire risk profile. A new FRA should be completed if there are any changes in the layout or function of a building.
Protection for People and Heritage
Many churches contain historical features or valuable items and welcome a wide range of people, including the elderly and vulnerable. A well-conducted FRA helps protect both people and property by identifying potential fire risks and providing clear actions.
Insurance Compliance
Most insurers require evidence of proactive fire safety management, including a current FRA. If a fire occurs and an FRA is missing or outdated, insurance claims could be jeopardised.
Clarity and Confidence
A professionally completed FRA gives you practical, proportionate steps you can take to improve safety and ensure peace of mind for everyone involved in managing or using your church.
Trusted by the Diocese of Shrewsbury
Ezra Safety Group is highly experienced in delivering Fire Risk Assessments for churches, church halls and presbyteries. We have completed significant projects across the Diocese of Shrewsbury and work regularly with parishes and diocesan property teams to ensure their buildings are safe, compliant and well-managed.
We understand the specific challenges church buildings present—from historic features and listed status, to multiple building types, limited budgets, and volunteer-led operations. Our team works with respect and discretion in faith-based environments and provides clear, jargon-free reports.
Accredited, Professional, and Ready to Help
Our assessors are:
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BAFE SP205-accredited for Life Safety Fire Risk Assessments
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Registered with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). All our assessors are Tier 3 registered with the IFSM.
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Experienced, respectful, and fully insured professionals
We offer Church Fire Risk Assessments in:
Preston, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, Lancashire, Chorley the North West, Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Leeds, the North East, Midlands, and beyond.
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch—we are happy to assist wherever possible.
Five Key Steps to Fire Safety in Your Church
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Instruct a qualified, third-party accredited Fire Risk Assessor
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Review your FRA annually, or sooner if building use or layout changes
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Take prompt action on any significant risks or recommendations
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Maintain clear escape routes and functioning detection systems
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Keep staff and volunteers informed of fire procedures and responsibilities
Get in Touch
If your Fire Risk Assessment is due, or you are unsure when it was last completed, we are here to help.
Phone: 01772 349589
Email: info@ezrasafetygroup.co.uk
Website: www.ezrasafetygroup.co.uk
Ezra means ‘helper’—and we are here to support you in keeping your buildings and communities safe.
