Fire Risk Assessment Information for Community Buildings

Community buildings play an important role across Walsall, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands. Village halls, community centres, places of worship, and charity-run facilities are often used by a wide range of people for different activities, which can introduce varying levels of fire risk. Managing fire safety effectively is essential to protect occupants and ensure these buildings remain safe and accessible.

A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a key requirement for community buildings and forms the foundation of effective fire safety management. It helps those responsible identify potential fire hazards, assess risks, and ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

Why community buildings need a fire risk assessment

Community buildings are often multi-use spaces, hosting events such as meetings, classes, social gatherings, and public functions. Occupancy levels may change regularly, and users may include children, older people, or those with limited mobility.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment helps those responsible understand:

• Where fire hazards may arise

• How different user groups could be affected

• Whether escape routes are suitable for varied occupancy

• If fire detection, alarms, and emergency lighting are appropriate

• What practical improvements are needed to reduce risk

Common issues identified during community building fire risk assessments include unclear escape routes, inadequate emergency lighting, insufficient fire detection, and a lack of clear fire safety arrangements for volunteers or hirers.

Local fire safety support for community premises

Trustees, committees, and duty holders responsible for community buildings in Walsall, Aldridge, Willenhall, Bloxwich, Darlaston, and Brownhills must ensure fire safety arrangements reflect how the building is used throughout the year. The same applies to community premises across nearby areas such as Cannock, Burntwood, Lichfield, Stafford, Wolverhampton, and the wider Staffordshire and West Midlands region.

Each building is unique. A small village hall will have different fire safety needs compared to a larger community centre or multi-purpose facility. A risk-based, proportionate approach ensures fire safety measures are suitable without being overly complex or restrictive.

A practical approach to fire safety for community buildings

A well-prepared fire risk assessment should be clear, easy to understand, and focused on practical improvements. Recommendations should be realistic and proportionate to the level of risk identified.

For many community buildings, this may include:

• Suitable fire detection and warning systems

• Clear and accessible escape routes

• Emergency lighting where required

• Basic fire safety information for users and volunteers

• Simple management arrangements to support ongoing safety

The aim is to help those responsible manage fire safety confidently while allowing the building to be used safely by the community.

Keeping community buildings compliant

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly if there are changes to the building, usage patterns, or occupancy levels. Regular review helps demonstrate due diligence and supports a safe environment for all users.

If you are responsible for a community building in Walsall, Staffordshire, or the West Midlands, a clear and proportionate fire risk assessment is an essential part of responsible building management.