Release date: 10 June 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging licenced premises to review their fire safety arrangements as they prepare to welcome thousands of football supporters during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Responsibility for fire safety rests with the Responsible Person – usually the employer or licence holder of the premises. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging all responsible persons to review and update their fire risk assessments before making any changes to their premises.
Changes such as installing large screens and temporary structures, additional seating, flags and decorations, and altered venue layouts may create additional fire safety risks if not properly assessed and managed.
Temporary alterations can affect occupancy levels, escape routes, evacuation procedures and access to firefighting equipment. The responsible person must ensure that fire safety remains a key consideration throughout the planning and delivery of tournament-related events.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Protection Dave Bray said: "The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an exciting opportunity for licensed premises to bring people together and support their local communities. However, any temporary changes made to a venue must be carefully considered from a fire safety perspective.
"Whether it is installing large screens, putting up decorations and flags, creating additional viewing areas or increasing customer capacity, businesses have a legal duty to ensure these changes do not compromise the safety of their customers or staff."
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is advising businesses to:
- Review and update fire risk assessments to reflect any temporary changes.
- Ensure all emergency exits, escape routes and fire doors remain serviceable unobstructed and available for immediate use.
- Avoid positioning screens, furniture, staging or temporary structures where they could hinder evacuation.
- Check that temporary electrical installations are safe, suitable and do not overload existing electrical systems.
- Use appropriate fire-retardant materials for decorations and displays.
- Review occupancy levels and implement suitable crowd management measures.
- Ensure staff are fully trained and understand emergency procedures and their roles in the event of an evacuation.
- Maintain clear access to firefighting equipment and fire alarm call points.
Fire Safety Officers and operational crews may carry out inspections before and during the tournament period to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and to provide advice where required.
