We're saying it...Christmas is coming...and so are the fire risks

It might only be October, but for many Essex businesses, Christmas prep has already started. Stockrooms are filling with seasonal goods, displays and decorations ordered, and the recruitment for extra staff to cover the busy months ahead is underway.

The focus is on sales targets, display planning, and logistics. But behind the scenes, fire safety needs to be part of that preparation.

Head of Protection at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Dan Wastell, explains:

“By the time December arrives, the festive rush is in full swing, and fire safety can easily slip down the list. Shops often have more stock than usual, more decorations, and seasonal staff who might not know your procedures. Taking the time now to review your fire safety measures means you can focus on the busy trading period with confidence.”

It’s not just about Christmas. Fire safety should be a priority throughout the year. New premises? Have you completed a fire risk assessment? Changed the layout of your store or introduced new processes or equipment? Make sure to update your fire risk assessment. A few minutes spent on your fire risk assessment could prevent costly downtime later on.

Festive fire safety for businesses:

Keep escape routes clear – don’t let extra stock block your escape routes or fire exit doors.

Manage stock. levels – avoid over-ordering to the point that storage becomes unsafe.Store packaging and waste securely – keep it outside, away from your building, and secure to prevent against arson.

Check your fire safety equipment – test your fire alarms, emergency lighting and regularly check the condition of your firefighting equipment.

Train seasonal staff – make sure everyone on your team knows the fire procedures.

Fire safety inspections carried out across Essex during last year’s festive period revealed some all-too-common issues — from cardboard boxes stacked in escape routes to flammable packaging piled against buildings.

Dan recalls:

“Last year, we visited several businesses in the run-up to Christmas and found stock and packaging being stored unsafely. We understand the festive period is hectic, but oversights such as these can put staff and customers at serious risk. Good fire safety management is essential to maintain trading without interruption.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service works closely with the business community to reduce both accidental and deliberate fires in commercial premises. Undertaking effective fire safety management not only ensures the safety of your team and the public, but can prevent your business from losing revenue, paying for repair costs, and suffering reputational damage.

Don’t let a fire cut Christmas short for your business.