Fire Extinguisher Hire for Events: What You Need and When to Book

Temporary events bring things a building does not normally have: extra people, catering, staging, cabling and decorations. This post covers which fire extinguishers an event needs, who is responsible for them, what affects the cost of hire and how far ahead to book.

Events that usually need extinguisher hire

Any event that adds risk beyond what a venue normally holds is worth planning for. Common examples:

• Office parties and Christmas and New Year events
• Weddings and private parties in marquees or barns
• Corporate events, conferences and product launches
• Christmas markets, food markets and street food events
• Festivals, fetes and outdoor screenings
• Sports events and exhibitions
• Temporary premises during a refurbishment or move

Who is responsible for fire safety at an event

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to events in the same way it applies to buildings. Someone has to act as the Responsible Person for the event, usually the organiser, the venue operator, or both by agreement. That person needs a fire risk assessment for the event and must provide suitable firefighting equipment for the risks it identifies.

Venues, landlords and licensing authorities often ask organisers to show their fire safety arrangements before an event goes ahead. Agree in writing who is providing what, so nothing is missed between the organiser and the venue.

Which extinguishers an event needs

The right mix depends on what is happening on site. As a guide:

• Water or foam: general areas with paper, fabric, wood and decorations. Foam also covers flammable liquids
• CO2: next to sound systems, lighting rigs, DJ equipment and distribution boards
• Wet chemical: anywhere food is fried in oil, including food stalls and pop-up kitchens
• Dry powder: outdoor areas with generators, fuel or gas cylinders. It is not suited to enclosed indoor spaces
• Fire blankets: small cooking areas and catering stations

Extinguishers should sit by exits and next to the specific risk, clearly visible and easy to reach. BS 5306 sets out how extinguishers are selected and positioned. All hired units we supply comply with it.

Busy periods: Christmas and the summer season

Demand for event hire peaks twice a year. December brings office parties, Christmas markets and venues running at full capacity. Summer brings weddings, festivals and outdoor events.

Seasonal events also add their own risks. In winter, check for:

• Extra fairy lights, extension leads and temporary power
• Paper and fabric decorations near heat sources
• Candles and table decorations
• Patio heaters and gas cylinders in outdoor smoking or seating areas
• Additional catering, often in spaces not designed as kitchens

Hospitality businesses running a full events calendar can find more in our hospitality and venues guide.

What affects the cost of hire

Every hire is quoted as a fixed price. The main factors are:

• How many extinguishers the event needs
• Which types, since specialist units such as wet chemical cost more than water
• How long the hire runs, from a single day to several days
• Where the event is, and access for delivery and collection
• Whether the site is indoors, outdoors or both

Delivery, positioning and collection are included in the hire.

How far ahead to book

Book as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Earlier notice gives the best chance of matching the right types and numbers to your event, and secures availability in busy periods. If your event is close, get in touch anyway. Last-minute requests are handled where availability allows.

To quote, it helps to have:

• The event date, times and length of hire
• The venue address and whether it is indoors, outdoors or both
• Expected numbers
• Any catering, generators, gas or staging on site