As leaves fall and nights darken across Cumbria, fire risks rise, from heating systems being switched on, to Bonfire Night festivities, to using candles and outdoor fires. For homeowners, landlords, businesses, and community groups, autumn is a critical period to review fire safety.
At Beacon Fire Protection, we want you to be ready, not just to feel safer, but to ensure you’re meeting all local and national legal requirements.
Heating and Electrical Safety: Getting Winter Ready
When the cold sets in, most homes and workplaces switch on heating systems that have been idle all summer. Faulty boilers, clogged chimneys, and poorly placed portable heaters are among the leading seasonal causes of fires.
- Book a boiler and chimney service with a local business before winter arrives.
- Position portable heaters clear of curtains and furniture.
- Inspect electrical wiring and avoid overloading sockets, especially when adding fairy lights or seasonal displays.
Staying ahead of these risks ensures you don’t face dangerous breakdowns when you need warmth the most.
Fire Alarms and Escape Routes: Don’t Leave It Too Late
As we spend more time indoors, early detection becomes vital. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and recent updates to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, landlords and “Responsible Persons” must ensure working smoke alarms, clear escape routes, and emergency lighting.
For households, this means testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
For landlords and businesses, it means keeping communal fire doors, signage, and evacuation plans up to standard.
A quick check now can prevent tragedy later.
Bonfire Night: Celebrate Safely, the Cumbrian Way
Of course, autumn isn’t only about hunkering down indoors, it’s also Bonfire Night. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service advises attending organised displays, where professionals manage the risks.
If you’re hosting your own community bonfire:
- Build well clear of fences, sheds, and trees.
- Avoid flammable liquids; use only dry wood and garden waste.
- Keep water or extinguishers to hand and never leave the fire unattended.
By planning carefully, you can enjoy the festivities without putting people or property in danger.
Candles, Lighting, and Seasonal Comfort
Shorter days mean many of us turn to candles and decorative lights for the atmosphere. While cosy, these can quickly become fire hazards if not handled with care.
- Place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces.
- Consider battery-powered candles as a safer alternative.
- Check fairy lights for wear and never daisy chain extension leads.
These small precautions make sure that seasonal comforts remain safe rather than risky.
Business and Community Premises: Compliance Before Christmas
For workplaces, schools, care settings, and community halls, autumn is a good time to refresh compliance ahead of the busy winter season. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the FSO and should cover electrical safety, emergency lighting, alarms, and evacuation procedures.
Testing equipment now avoids downtime later, and training staff or volunteers ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency. It’s also a reassurance to your community that their safety is your priority.
Rural and Outdoor Properties: Stay Vigilant
Cumbria’s rural landscapes bring their own risks. Garden bonfires, farm fuel stores, and outbuildings all need seasonal attention. Clear away dry leaves, secure fuels, and keep firefighting equipment accessible. What seems minor in September can escalate quickly when winds pick up in November.
Stay Compliant, Stay Safe
Autumn in Cumbria is a season to enjoy, whether it’s cosy nights in, community gatherings, or preparing your business for winter. By taking a few simple steps now, you can stay both safe and legally compliant.
At Beacon Fire Protection, we’re here to help:
- Fire risk assessments tailored to homes, businesses, and community sites.
- Servicing for alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
- Practical fire safety training for staff and volunteers.
Speak to your friendly local specialist today to enquire about seasonal fire safety check with us.
Penrith: 01768 863 551 | Carlisle – 01228 540 088 | Workington – 01900 66815