However, it is clear that a major fire is likely to disrupt a child’s education for many months and could mean postponing tests and exams. A fire incident doesn’t just damage property; it severely impacts the continuity of learning, which has long-term consequences for students. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to fire safety and security in school.Â
Arson Reduction and Modern Security Measures
As stated above, 60% of all school fires are deliberate. Given the nature of the site, most are probably pranks that get out of control. However, some will be planned, malicious attacks.
Around 1 in 8 schools are subject to an arson attack every year. Although stopping arson attacks is virtually impossible, you can lower your risk by following these simple steps:
- take steps to deter unauthorised entry onto the site;
- use access control systems to prevent unauthorised entry into the buildings;
- reduce the opportunity for an offender to start a fire by controlling storage of flammable materials;
- reduce the scope for potential fire damage;
By being vigilant and aware of what a potential arsonist could burn and how accessible it is could greatly reduce the risk.
To effectively manage this risk in a modern educational environment, a proactive security strategy is essential. High-definition CCTV systems, as detailed in our guide on 10 tips for choosing a CCTV system for your business, should be deployed externally to cover all boundaries, potential entry points, and secluded areas. Moreover, integrating these cameras with perimeter intrusion detection can provide early warnings long before an intruder reaches the building. Given the increased prevalence of such incidents, many schools are now looking at sophisticated CCTV systems with remote monitoring capabilities to ensure immediate action is taken during out-of-hours incidents.
The Importance of Smart Access Control
Access control is a crucial component of arson and intrusion prevention, particularly in education sector buildings which may be used by numerous groups outside of school hours. Implementing robust access control installation, moving beyond traditional keys to fobs, swipe cards, or even biometric systems, provides a verifiable audit trail of who enters and leaves the premises and when.
This not only deters unauthorised entry but is also a critical part of a successful lockdown procedure for schools and nurseries, as explored in our dedicated article on the importance of effective lockdown systems for schools. Proper control over who can access specific areas dramatically limits the opportunity for malicious actions, enhancing both security and fire safety.
Storage Management and Fire Risk in Schools
The next most common source of fires in schools is the storage of combustible materials. Paper and cardboard are obviously prevalent in schools. And with the limited storage space often posed in these environments, the potential for storing these items alongside sources of ignition is more likely. For example, cupboards housing electrical equipment may become storage areas for other combustible items which results in a potentially dangerous mix of fuel and ignition in an enclosed area. Simple fire safety advises that sources of fuel and sources of ignition are separate.
Gymnastic mats are also another source of fuel that gets overlooked. With space at a premium, storage of these often isn’t in suitable stores. Regulations state that gymnastic mats should be in a purpose-built store having a fire resistance of 60 minutes, and where possible ventilate to open air. Gymnastic mats produce a dense, toxic smoke when ignited. If the smoke breaches the store, the risk of limiting access to escape routes increases. This highlights the importance of maintaining strict compliance with specific fire safety regulations, which you can read more about in our guide to fire safety compliance in 2025.
The Role of Electrical Safety
It’s vital to recognise that electrical faults are a major cause of accidental fires in commercial and public buildings, including schools. Faulty or misused electrical equipment accounts for a significant portion of workplace fires, reinforcing the need for regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and fixed electrical installation checks. Overloaded sockets and old, damaged wiring pose serious risks, particularly in older school buildings or areas like IT suites where many devices are in use. A robust fire safety strategy must therefore include not only the use of appropriate fire extinguishers but also a comprehensive program for identifying and mitigating electrical hazards, one of the top 5 fire hazards in the workplace.
For specialised areas like school kitchens, where fire risks from cooking oils and appliances are present, specific fire suppression measures must be in place. Furthermore, the selection of your fire safety provider is paramount to ensuring compliance and protection, as discussed in our piece on the top 7 mistakes businesses make when choosing a provider.
Consider All Factors
These are just two of the most common examples of fire safety issues found during inspections in schools, and many other factors need to be considered. For example, fire safety training for employees, clear evacuation plans for each school area, and the regularity of practice fire drills.
Moreover, current recommendations from bodies like the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) stress the adoption of a holistic and integrated approach, viewing fire safety as an integral part of the overall building management strategy, not an isolated concern. Taking this comprehensive view helps ensure maximum protection. You can explore a broader approach to security across all your sites by visiting our sectors page.
Fire Safety in Schools with BusinessWatch
If you’re concerned about the fire safety of your school, then contact us immediately. We can provide a no obligation quote for a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment, or review your current Fire Risk Assessment. We can also provide a free site survey to assess existing fire safety systems for compliance with fire legislation.