News and Events

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is thrilled to announce the launch of its Business Fire Safety Campaign, set to commence on Monday, 9 September, and run for three weeks until 29 September. This comprehensive campaign aims to raise awareness among small and medium-sized businesses about their fire safety responsibilities and provide them with essential guidance and support.

As businesses prepare for the busy Christmas period and manage the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis, it is crucial for them to incorporate fire safety into their planning. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to ensuring that businesses are well-informed about fire risks and equipped with the knowledge to prevent and respond to fire incidents effectively.

Effective from 1 October 2023, there were significant changes to the fire safety legislation in England and Wales. All businesses, regardless of size or type, are now required to record a comprehensive fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements. Additionally, increased cooperation and coordination are mandated between Responsible Persons in multi-occupied buildings, and residents in buildings with two or more domestic premises must be informed about fire risks and safety measures.

In the first week, the service will engage with businesses and provide advice on how they can comply with the law to protect the people that live, work, and visit their buildings. 

As the campaign progresses, the service will highlight the benefits of the business fire safety checks that it now conducts and provide a case study from a business in Blackpool.

During the third week of the campaign, special attention will be given to businesses in Lancashire's flood risk areas. LFRS will offer targeted advice on flood risk mitigation and business continuity planning to help businesses prepare for potential flooding incidents. The focus of this week will culminate with the release of a podcast and the service’s new newsletter for business owners, Protection Matters.

Matthew Hamer, Area Manager and Head of Prevention and Protection, expressed the importance of this initiative:

"Our goal is to ensure that every business in Lancashire is not only aware of the potential risks but also equipped with the knowledge and tools to mitigate them. By providing comprehensive support and resources, we aim to foster a culture of safety that protects both businesses and the wider community."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service invites all business owners, employees, and stakeholders to participate actively in this campaign. By working together, we can make our workplaces safer and better prepared for any fire-related emergencies.

For more information about the Business Fire Safety Campaign and to access valuable resources, please visit our business fire safety pages on the LFRS website.