Fire Safety Guide for Campsite and Holiday Park Operators

Complete Fire Safety Compliance Guide for Holiday Parks

Fire safety in holiday parks, caravan sites, and camping grounds requires specific knowledge of regulations, risk assessment, and emergency planning. Non-compliance can result in prosecution, insurance voidance, and tragic consequences.

Legal Framework Overview

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The primary legislation for England and Wales:

• Applies to all "premises" including holiday parks
• Requires written fire risk assessment
• Mandates "suitable and sufficient" fire precautions
• "Responsible person" (usually owner/manager) held accountable
• Criminal prosecution for non-compliance

Specific Guidance Documents

Document	Applies To	Key Requirements
LACORS Fire Safety Guide	Sleeping accommodation	Detailed standards for holiday lets
BS 9999	All buildings	Fire safety design code
Caravan Site Licensing	Touring/static sites	Spacing, access, fire points
Marina & Boatyard Code	Water-based operations	Boat-specific requirements

Fire Risk Assessment Requirements

Who Must Conduct Assessments

• "Competent person" with adequate training
• Can be done in-house for lower-risk sites
• Complex sites may need professional assessor
• Must be reviewed annually or after changes

Five-Step Assessment Process

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

Hazard Category	Examples on Holiday Parks
Ignition sources	BBQs, campfires, electrical equipment, gas appliances
Fuel sources	LPG cylinders, petrol stores, bedding, vegetation
Oxygen	Natural ventilation, forced air systems

Step 2: Identify People at Risk

• Guests (unfamiliar with site layout)
• Staff (all shifts and roles)
• Contractors and visitors
• Vulnerable people (disabled, elderly, children)
• Neighbouring properties

Step 3: Evaluate and Act

Assess each hazard and implement controls:

Risk Level	Action Required	Timeline
Trivial	Monitor	Ongoing
Tolerable	Reduce if reasonably practicable	3-6 months
Moderate	Action plan required	1-3 months
Substantial	Immediate improvements needed	Days/weeks
Intolerable	Stop activity until controlled	Immediate

Step 4: Record and Plan

Document everything:

• Findings and actions
• Emergency procedures
• Training records
• Equipment maintenance

Step 5: Review and Update

• Annual review minimum
• After any fire incident
• After significant changes
• After near-miss events

Site Layout Requirements

Spacing Standards

Minimum distances between units:

Unit Type	Minimum Separation	Additional Requirements
Static caravans	6 metres	Or 3m to fire-resistant structure
Touring caravans	6 metres	Door to door measurement
Tents	6 metres	Or 3m plus flame-retardant barrier
Chalets/lodges	Per building regs	Depends on construction

Access and Escape

• Emergency vehicle access to within 45m of all units
• Roads minimum 3.7m width (5.5m preferred)
• Turning circles for fire appliances
• Clear escape routes from all areas
• Emergency lighting on pathways

Fire Detection and Warning

Required Systems

Facility Type	Minimum Requirement	Recommended Standard
Reception/office	Grade A LD1	Addressable system
Amenity blocks	Grade A LD2	Heat and smoke
Holiday lets/lodges	Grade D LD3	Interlinked alarms
Static caravans	Smoke alarm per unit	Plus CO detector

Testing and Maintenance

• Weekly alarm tests (documented)
• Monthly emergency lighting tests
• Annual professional servicing
• Battery replacements logged

Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire Extinguisher Provision

Location	Type Required	Size	Quantity
Reception	CO2 + Water	2kg + 9L	2
Kitchen areas	Wet chemical	6L	1 per kitchen
Plant rooms	CO2	2kg	1 per room
LPG storage	Powder	9kg	2 minimum
Fire points	Water	9L	Per risk assessment

Fire Point Requirements

Outdoor fire points every 30 metres on larger sites:

• Red post/cabinet clearly marked
• Fire bell or alarm trigger
• 9L water extinguisher
• Fire bucket with sand (optional)
• Emergency number signage

LPG and Fuel Storage

LPG Cylinder Management

Storage Capacity	Requirements
Up to 400kg	Outdoor, away from buildings, signage
400kg-3000kg	Compound with 2-hour fire resistance
Over 3000kg	HSE notification required

Separation Distances

• 3m from buildings (up to 400kg)
• 4m from buildings (400kg-900kg)
• 7.5m from buildings (over 900kg)
• 1m from site boundaries
• 3m from drains and openings

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Plan Contents

Staff Training Requirements

Training Type	Frequency	Staff Coverage
Fire awareness	Induction + annual	All staff
Extinguisher use	Annual	Key personnel
Evacuation drill	6-monthly	All staff participate
First response	Annual	Duty managers

Specific Guidance by Property Type

Static Caravan Parks

• Ensure licence conditions met
• Check unit spacing annually (settling/movement)
• Verify each unit has working smoke alarm
• LPG connections professionally certified
• Annual gas safety checks documented

Glamping Sites

Unique challenges:

• Canvas structures (flame-retardant certification required)
• Wood burners (installation and clearance standards)
• Alternative heating (safety cut-outs essential)
• Remote locations (extended emergency response times)

Marina Fire Safety

• Boat fire risks differ from land-based
• Electrical shore power safety critical
• Fuel storage and dispensing controls
• Water-based firefighting access

Documentation and Records

Required Records

Maintain for minimum 3 years:

• Fire risk assessment (current and historical)
• Training records for all staff
• Equipment test certificates
• Maintenance and servicing logs
• Fire alarm log book
• Incident and near-miss reports

Working with the Fire Service

Fire Service Powers

Fire and Rescue Authority can:

• Inspect without notice
• Issue informal advice
• Serve Enforcement Notices
• Serve Prohibition Notices (immediate closure)
• Prosecute for non-compliance

Building Good Relationships

• Invite familiarisation visits
• Share site plans and hydrant locations
• Report changes affecting access
• Request guidance on improvements

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