5 Common Causes of Workplace Fires and How to Prevent Them
- steven mullan
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Wriiten by: Steven Mullan 16/03/2026
When a fire breaks out in the workplace, it puts people at immediate risk of injury and can also cause serious damage to buildings, equipment, and operations. In addition to the human cost, workplace fires can have a major financial impact on businesses through repair costs, lost productivity, downtime, and reputational damage. In the worst cases, a fire can lead to long-term disruption or even business closure.
There are many hazards that can contribute to fire in the workplace, but some causes appear far more often than others.
To help reduce the risk, SM Safety Training recommends providing all staff with Fire Awareness Training, which can be completed in less than an hour. It is also important to appoint a responsible person for fire safety on site. This person should have a strong understanding of fire safety management and be able to support the organisation in keeping people safe. By studying the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety, they can gain the knowledge needed to carry out fire risk assessments, support evacuation planning, and help maintain safe working practices.
Even with training in place, it is still useful to understand the most common causes of workplace fires so that hazards can be identified and controlled early. In this article, we look at five of the most common causes of workplace fires and share practical tips to help reduce the risk and protect both staff and premises.
1. Faulty Equipment and Electrical Systems
Electrical equipment and appliances remain one of the leading causes of workplace fires. From damaged cables and worn plugs to overloaded sockets and outdated wiring, electrical faults can quickly become a serious fire hazard.
In many workplaces, equipment is used every day without much thought. Over time, wear and tear can build up and, if left unchecked, increase the risk of overheating, sparks, or fire. Even smaller appliances such as kettles, microwaves, and toasters in staff kitchens should not be overlooked.
For this reason, employers should ensure that all electrical equipment is properly maintained and checked regularly. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers have a duty to ensure electrical systems and equipment are kept in a safe condition. Regular inspections, maintenance, and PAT testing can all help reduce the risk.
2. Lack of Training
A lack of fire safety training is another common cause of workplace fires. Human error, poor awareness, and unsafe behaviour can all increase the likelihood of a fire starting.
If employees are not aware of the causes of fire or the precautions they should take, they may unintentionally create hazards. This could include overloading sockets, storing items in front of fire exits, using equipment incorrectly, or not knowing what to do if a fire breaks out.
Providing staff with fire safety training helps them understand how fires start, how to reduce risks, and what actions to take in an emergency. Fire drills are also an important part of workplace safety, helping staff become familiar with exit routes, assembly points, and emergency procedures. Carrying out drills regularly helps keep fire safety arrangements fresh in everyone’s mind and demonstrates a strong commitment to health and safety.
3. Improper Storage of Flammable Materials
Poor storage of flammable materials is another major fire risk in the workplace.
When people think of flammable materials, they often think of fuel or chemicals, but everyday items such as paper, cardboard, aerosols, cleaning products, and cooking oils can also contribute to fire if stored carelessly. If these materials are kept near ignition sources such as heaters, electrical equipment, or cooking appliances, the risk is even greater.
Where possible, hazardous substances and chemicals should be stored in appropriate designated areas, ideally away from main workspaces. Other combustible items such as packaging, paper waste, and aerosols should also be stored safely and cleared away promptly. Good housekeeping plays a big part in reducing fire risk.
Employees handling flammable substances should also use the correct personal protective equipment and follow safe storage and handling procedures at all times.
4. Outdated Fire Risk Assessments
A fire risk assessment is one of the most effective tools for identifying hazards and reducing the likelihood of fire in the workplace. However, a fire risk assessment is only useful if it is up to date.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. It is not enough to complete one assessment and leave it unchanged for years. Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes, such as new equipment, new materials, changes to the building layout, or relocation to a new site.
Keeping fire risk assessments current helps ensure that hazards are identified early and that appropriate control measures remain in place.
If you need staff to carry out suitable fire risk assessments, SM Safety Training can support this through Fire Risk Assessment Training, helping learners develop the confidence and knowledge to assess fire risks effectively.
5. Arson
Although arson is a deliberate criminal act, there are still practical steps businesses can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target and to minimise the damage if an incident does occur.
Simple preventative measures include:
Keeping flammable materials secure and out of open areas
Ensuring external waste and combustible materials are not left near buildings
Installing CCTV, lighting, or motion sensors to deter suspicious activity
Monitoring and controlling access to the site
Making sure doors, gates, and vulnerable access points are secured
By improving site security and reducing opportunities for fire-setting, businesses can lower the risk of arson and improve overall fire safety.
How to Prevent Workplace Fires
There are several practical ways to reduce the risk of fire in the workplace:
Store flammable materials safely and sensibly
Keep work areas tidy and remove unnecessary combustible waste
Carry out regular fire risk assessments and review them when changes occur
Maintain electrical systems and equipment through testing and inspection
Provide staff with effective fire safety training
Run regular fire drills so employees know what to do in an emergency
A proactive approach to fire prevention can help protect lives, reduce disruption, and support legal compliance.
Fire Safety Training from SM Safety
At SM Safety, we offer a range of fire safety training courses and qualifications designed to support organisations across a wide range of sectors.
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
The NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety can be completed in just four days and provides detailed knowledge for those responsible for managing fire safety in low to medium risk workplaces. It covers topics such as fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and emergency evacuation procedures.
This qualification is ideal for fire safety leads, fire marshals, managers, and health and safety professionals who need a deeper understanding of fire safety responsibilities.
Fire Marshal Training
It is recommended that workplaces have a suitable number of trained fire marshals on site. Fire marshals play an important role in supporting evacuations, identifying fire hazards, and helping maintain safe fire procedures.
SM Safety’s Fire Marshal Training gives learners the knowledge they need to carry out this role with confidence, whether through e-learning or in-house delivery.
Fire Risk Assessment Training
Regular fire risk assessments are essential for managing fire safety effectively. SM Safety’s Fire Risk Assessment Training helps delegates understand how to identify hazards, evaluate risk, and recommend suitable controls, ensuring businesses always have competent people available to support fire safety arrangements.
Fire Safety Awareness Training
Even where employees do not have specific fire safety duties, they should still receive basic fire awareness training. SM Safety’s Fire Safety Awareness Training is ideal for new starters and general staff, helping learners understand how fires start, how to prevent them, and what action to take if a fire occurs.
By making sure your team understands fire safety, you can reduce the risk of fires and improve the safety of your workplace for everyone.
Need Fire Safety Advice?
If you want to know which fire safety courses will be best for your team, or have any questions about fire safety, speak to a member of our team today.
"Safety Through Knowledge"
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