Fire safety advice for licenced premises during the FIFA World Cup

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging licenced premises to review and update their fire risk assessments before making any changes to their premises during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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.

Businesses are advised 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.

Please be aware that 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.

I would ask that you share this with your membership to ensure that any Responsible Persons are aware of this guidance. If you have any concerns, please email firesafety@westsussex.gov.uk.