As winter approaches, many businesses and homeowners across the UK turn their focus towards heating, insulation, and seasonal preparations. But one area that should never be overlooked is fire safety. With the increased use of heating appliances, festive lighting, and often cluttered premises, fire risks naturally rise during the colder months.

Whether you’re responsible for a workplace or looking to safeguard your home, having a clear pre-winter fire safety checklist is essential. In this blog, we outline the key actions you should take to ensure you’re prepared for the fire safety challenges that winter brings.

Why Is Fire Safety So Important in Winter?

The colder months are statistically more prone to fire-related incidents. According to UK fire and rescue services, fire callouts increase between November and February, often linked to:

• Space heaters and other heating equipment

• Overloaded electrical circuits

• Candles and festive decorations

• Fire exits being blocked or inaccessible due to snow or stock

• Fire safety equipment being out-of-date or frozen

Prevention is key. That’s why your winter fire safety preparation should start now—before the seasonal risks escalate.

Your Essential Pre-Winter Fire Safety Checklist

1. Schedule Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence in a fire emergency. However, they’re only effective if properly maintained.

At Fireline UK, we offer BAFE-certified servicing across the UK. Our technicians check:

• Pressure levels

• Weight and expiration dates

• Safety pins, tamper tags and hoses

• Signs of damage or corrosion

If your extinguishers haven’t been serviced in the last 12 months—or were last checked this time last year—now is the time to book in.

2. Check for Heating Hazards

Heating appliances are essential for comfort in winter but can easily become fire hazards when:

• Placed too close to flammable materials

• Plugged into overloaded sockets

• Left on overnight or unattended

Action Points:

• Keep heaters at least 1 metre from anything combustible.

• Ensure staff understand how to use them safely.

• Use only PAT-tested electrical equipment.

3. Test Smoke and Heat Detectors

Fire detection systems save lives—but only if they’re working.

Your checklist should include:

• Weekly fire alarm testing with documentation in your fire logbook

• Visual inspection of alarm units for dust or obstructions

• Ensuring battery backups are functional

• Annual servicing by a qualified engineer

Remember: batteries in standalone smoke alarms should be replaced annually, even if they still seem to work.

4. Inspect and Clear Fire Exits

Blocked or inaccessible fire exits can cost lives in an emergency. Winter brings added challenges such as bulky coats, increased deliveries, icy footpaths, and temporary stockpiles.

Make sure:

• All fire exits are clear, unlocked, and clearly marked

• Outdoor paths are gritted and ice-free

• Exit lighting is functional and visible even during darker mornings and evenings

5. Update Your Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises must have an up-to-date fire risk assessment.

Winter presents new risks, so review your existing document and check for:

• Increased use of electrical and heating equipment

• Layout changes (such as holiday displays or seasonal storage)

• Temporary or agency staff who may not be trained

If needed, contact Fireline UK for help updating your assessment with winter-specific risks.

6. Provide Refresher Training for Staff

Even the best fire safety equipment is useless if no one knows how to use it. Seasonal staff or new joiners might be unaware of evacuation plans or how to operate a fire extinguisher.

Pre-winter training should include:

• Fire extinguisher identification and usage

• Understanding different fire types

• Site-specific evacuation procedures

• How to raise the alarm in an emergency

We offer tailored fire safety training for businesses of all sizes across the UK—ask us how we can help your team stay prepared.

7. Be Cautious with Festive Decorations

Tinsel, fairy lights and Christmas trees are all lovely additions to your premises—but they introduce additional fire risks.

Mitigation tips:

• Use LED lights with a BS safety kitemark

• Never overload plug sockets

• Keep decorations well away from heat sources

• Turn off all lighting at the end of the working day

Also, don’t let decorations block emergency signage, alarms or fire-fighting equipment.

8. Check Signage and Emergency Lighting

Winter’s shorter daylight hours make emergency lighting and signage even more important.

Check that:

• Exit signs are lit and visible in all conditions

• Emergency lighting has been tested within the last six months

• Signage for extinguishers, alarms and exits is clean and unobstructed

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Fire safety doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold—in fact, it becomes more important. Fires can devastate properties, cost businesses thousands in downtime, and most importantly, put lives at risk. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent disaster later.

Fire Safety Support from Fireline UK

At Fireline UK, we specialise in supporting businesses, property managers and homeowners with all aspects of fire protection. From fire extinguisher supply and servicing to risk assessments and staff training, we’re here to help keep you safe—whatever the season.

Get in touch today to schedule your pre-winter fire extinguisher service or to arrange a fire safety consultation.