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As previously noted, three things are needed for a fire to happen: fuel, an ignition source and oxygen Fire prevention can be centred around these three items, usually by preventing ignition in the first place, and then by separating combustible and flammable materials from the ignition sources.
This page shows a number of examples of how fire prevention can be achieved.
Sources of Ignition
 Electrical installations and equipment
Electrical equipment and wiring needs to be properly maintained to keep it in a safe condition. Electrical installations should be subject to periodic testing in accordance with British Standard 7671 (sometimes called the 'Wiring Regulations').
In a similar way, it has become common practice for electrical appliances to be tested for electrical safety in many premises. This is often called a PAT test.
It would be beneficial to limit the use of extension leads and adaptors, and to have a policy to restrict the use of personal equipment that is brought into the premises (unless checked or tested first).
Smoking
There is legislation that prohibit people smoking in Places of Worship in the UK. Some premises allow people to smoke in certain outside areas, in which case adequate facilities need to be provided, including ash trays (which need to be emptied regularly).
Arson
The general security of the premises needs to be adequate. This means that doors and windows need to have adequate security features to prevent people breaking in. Note, however, that a detailed security assessment is not needed as part of a Fire Risk Assessment, but it is useful to make a note of any break-ins or attempted break-ins.
It is also worth making sure that items such as matches and lighters are kept secure so that they are not available to opportunistic arsonists, and this also has the advantage of helping to prevent children from playing with them as this too could cause a fire.
Heaters
Portable heaters should be avoided. However, were portable heaters are being used, lower-risk types need to be considered. Radiant heaters, such as bar-fires, and those that use real flame (without any protection) should be avoided. Bottled gas heaters should also be avoided.
Where electrical heaters are used, consideration should be given to using modern oil-less radiators, convector heaters or fan heaters, with preference given to those with a lower power rating ("wattage").
Combustible materials must be kept away from heaters. It must be noted that radiated heat from heaters can cause combustible materials to heat up even when placed some distance away from the heater. Always follow the manufacturer's instuctions when using heaters.
Where necessary, heaters and heating systems should be subject to appropriate maintenance and inspections.
Candles
A common feature in many Places of Worship, candles need special attention to make sure that an outbreak of fire is not attributed to their use. Firstly, only light as many candles as are absolutely necessary, and when lit, ensure that the candle-holder is stable and the candle is securely held by the holder.
All candle-holders need to be made from a flame retardant material.
Care is needed when using tea-light candles. The metal foil case gets very hot, and can easily melt plastic and can be hot enough to scorch wood or ignite paper. Only ever use suitable holders for tea-light candles. Tea-light candles must not be used directly on furniture or on plastic or paper plates.
The flame needs to be kept away from combustible materials such as flower arrangements. A candle flame burning close to a flower arrangement can dry out the foliage and leave it tinder dry, which is an ideal combination for fire.
Cooking equipment
Most electrical cooking appliances should be subject to some kind of electrical test. Likewise, gas appliances should be checked routinely by a competent person. Many modern gas appliances have 'flame failure detection' which will cut off the gas if the flame goes out, to prevent the build-up of a potentially explosive gas-air mixture.
Where possible, deep-fat-frying should be avoided unless using a suitable appliance. As a precaution, a special type of fire extinguisher, known as a 'Class F' should be available for this specific risk. For larger commercial kitchen operations, fire suppression systems may be considered, which will discharge an extinguishing medium onto a fire.
Where there is an extraction system, it is essential that there is a cleaning programme because the build-up of dust and grease inside filters and ducts can lead to fire.
Lightning
Many Churches are one of the highest features of the local landscape, and are therefore more likely to suffer a lightning strike compared to other premises nearby. Where this is the case, lightning conductors may be required to provide protection against this kind of weather.
Contractors and Maintenance Work
The control of contractors, especially those who are 'hot working' is important. Hot working (using blow-torches, grinders and anything else that produces heat, flame or sparks) needs to be controlled so that a fire does not start. This includes minimising nearby combustible materials and establishing a 'fire watch' to check for fire, which is usually carried out for one hour after the hot works have ceased.
Even if a contractor is not carrying out any hot work, fire safety should be included as part of their site induction.
Sources of Fuel
Furniture
Most Places of Worship will have furniture and other furnishings, from seats and kneelers to curtains. New upholstered furniture should conform to British Standard 7176, although there may be occasions when the lower standard of the 'Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations' may be adequate (these regulations are intended for domestic furnishings).
In the case of other fabrics, such as curtains, the treatment of the fabric with a fire resisting agent is recommended. This may be carried out by the manufacturer of the fabric, or otherwise a treatment spray may be applied aftwards. Such sprays are commonly available from theatrical suppliers.
Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping can see the accumulation of combustible materials in and around the premises. Such accumulations should be avoided. This is of significance in areas such as boiler rooms, electrical cupboards or switchrooms, and places such as basements where items are usually put into storage and forgotten about.
Where flammable and combustible materials are stored, ensure that only the smallest practicable amount is actually stored and that anything that is no longer needed is disposed of.
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It is important to check that the outside of the premises are free from excessive 'fire load', such as bins or bags of rubbish, plant material and other flammable or combustible materials. Bins and rubbish should normally be at least six metres away from the building. A fire directly outside the building may lead to hot embers rising up into the roof, where a fire can take hold.
Sources of Oxygen
Its is less straightforward to control the amount of oxygen available to a fire. After all, oxygen is needed for us to breathe! However, it is possible to prevent too much air getting to a fire by ensuring that windows and doors are closed when the premises is closed.
Some premises may benefit from having extractor fans and other air-moving plant set to shut down when the fire detection system operates. This may be to limit the spread of smoke as well as preventing the circulation of air into a fire compartment.
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