How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need at an Event?

The Health and Safety Executive recommends at least one fire extinguisher per 200m² of floor space, with a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to reach one. For most marquees, outdoor catering areas and exhibition spaces, that means more than one unit.

How Many to Order

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• Up to 200m² — 1 extinguisher
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• 200 to 400m² — 2 extinguishers
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• 400 to 600m² — 3 extinguishers
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• Any catering area using LPG or cooking oil — 1 additional at the cooking station
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• Any generator or electrical distribution board — 1 additional within 10 metres
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A standard 6x12m marquee covers 72m². One extinguisher covers it. Add a second if you have a catering area inside. A 20x10m event structure at 200m² needs two as a minimum, three if you have a bar or kitchen.

Which Type to Hire

The multi-purpose dry powder extinguisher we hire covers Class A (solid materials like wood, textiles and paper), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (flammable gases including LPG) and electrical fires. One unit type covers all the hazard categories at a typical outdoor event. You do not need separate water and CO2 units alongside it.

Where to Place Them

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• At the exit of any cooking area — not inside it
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• Near LPG connections and gas bottle storage
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• Within 10m of any generator or power distribution board
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• At venue entrances and exits
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• At each end of a marquee or large tent structure
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Position each unit so the handle sits 1 metre above the ground. Make sure every member of your site team knows the location before guests arrive.

Legal Requirements

Events on licensed premises fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This requires a fire risk assessment for any temporary structure. The quantities above satisfy the standard requirements for most outdoor and marquee events. Events with over 500 attendees may need a fire safety plan reviewed by the local fire authority before the licence is granted.

For catering areas, HSE guidance requires a fire blanket within reach of any cooking station that uses oil or fat, in addition to a dry powder extinguisher.

Book

Check live availability for the multi-purpose fire extinguisher. From £10 per 3-day hire period. No security deposit. Delivery from £40 across England and Wales. Order alongside your catering equipment so everything arrives together.

Types of fire extinguisher for events

CO2 extinguishers are the correct choice near electrical equipment — they do not damage electronics. Water extinguishers handle paper and wood fires in general areas. Dry powder extinguishers are required at LPG and gas cooking stations. For a mixed event with electrical equipment and gas cooking, you need both CO2 and dry powder.

Positioning

Extinguishers must be visible and accessible within 30 metres travel distance from any point in the event space. Mount them at 1 metre height where possible. Do not position them immediately adjacent to a cooking appliance — in a fire, you need to approach from a safe distance. Position them 3 to 5 metres away at a clear access point.

Training

At least two staff members on site should be familiar with the extinguisher types and how to operate them. Brief all staff on extinguisher locations at the start of the event setup. For large events, appoint a designated safety officer with a walkthrough checklist.