Every year in the UK, fire and rescue services attend thousands of commercial building fires. Many of these incidents are entirely preventable. Yet, overlooked hazards and inadequate safety measures continue to endanger staff, disrupt operations, and result in costly damage.
Whether you manage an office, warehouse, school, or retail unit in Shrewsbury or across Shropshire, fire safety must be a key part of your compliance and risk strategy. In this post, we’ll explore the most common fire hazards found in commercial properties - and, more importantly, how to prevent them.
Why Fire Hazard Awareness Matters for Shropshire Businesses
If you own or manage a commercial premises in Shropshire, you're legally responsible for reducing fire risk under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
But compliance aside, the real cost of a workplace fire goes far beyond fines and insurance premiums. Business disruption, staff safety concerns, and reputational damage are just a few of the consequences we’ve seen first-hand at AMG Fire Solutions Ltd.
In densely populated towns like Shrewsbury, where many businesses operate within mixed-use or heritage-listed buildings, fire risks can be even more complex due to outdated systems, limited access, or shared infrastructure.
Whether you're a school facilities manager in Oswestry or running a restaurant in Ludlow, identifying and addressing fire hazards is essential.
The Most Common Fire Hazards in Commercial Buildings – And How to Prevent Them
Below is a breakdown of the top fire hazards we regularly encounter—and the actionable steps you can take to mitigate them.
1. Overloaded Electrical Systems
Why it’s dangerous:
Offices and retail units often run multiple high-powered devices. Overloading sockets, using daisy-chained extension leads, or faulty wiring can easily lead to overheating and sparks.
Prevention:
✓ Schedule periodic electrical inspections.
✓ Avoid overloading plug sockets or adapters.
✓ Replace worn or frayed wires immediately.
✓ Use surge-protected power strips.
Did you know? The majority of workplace fires in the UK are electrical in origin. Routine PAT testing is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.
2. Improper Use or Storage of Flammable Materials
Why it’s dangerous:
In industrial, catering or beauty businesses, it’s not uncommon to find flammable liquids (e.g., oils, solvents, aerosols) stored without correct containment. One spark can cause rapid escalation.
Prevention:
✓ Store flammables in clearly labelled fire-resistant cabinets.
✓ Train staff on safe handling procedures.
✓ Ensure COSHH data sheets are available and up to date.
✓ Keep storage areas clean, cool and well ventilated.
3. Poor Housekeeping & Blocked Escape Routes
Why it’s dangerous:
Combustible clutter (boxes, paper, rubbish) and blocked corridors or fire exits turn a small fire into a deadly hazard.
Prevention:
✓ Keep fire exits and walkways clear at all times.
✓ Schedule regular cleaning and waste removal.
✓ Conduct monthly workplace inspections using a fire safety checklist.
4. Lack of Fire Detection or Poorly Maintained Systems
Why it’s dangerous:
A malfunctioning alarm won’t give early warning—and many small fires become unmanageable in minutes.
Prevention:
✓ Install a BS5839-compliant commercial fire alarm system.
✓ Book regular alarm servicing (every 6 months minimum).
✓ Train staff to recognise warning signs and conduct weekly alarm tests.
We service and maintain fire alarm systems across Shropshire – view our fire alarm installation services here.
5. Fire Extinguishers Not Fit for Purpose
Why it’s dangerous:
Out-of-date extinguishers, wrong extinguisher types (e.g., water on electrical fires), or empty cylinders create a false sense of security.
Prevention:
✓ Use CO₂ for electrical, foam for Class A/B, and dry powder for mixed risks.
✓ Ensure extinguishers are mounted correctly with signage.
✓ Schedule annual servicing to BS5306.
Tip: Combine extinguisher servicing with basic staff training, so everyone knows what to use—and when.
6. Insufficient Emergency Lighting
Why it’s dangerous:
Power cuts during a fire can leave staff and customers disoriented. Without emergency lighting, safe evacuation is compromised.
Prevention:
✓ Install compliant systems (BS5266-1 standard).
✓ Check coverage in stairwells, corridors, and high-occupancy rooms.
✓ Schedule 6- and 12-month testing cycles.
Explore our emergency lighting services in Shropshire
Common Fire Safety Questions We Hear from Local Businesses
Q. Do I need a fire risk assessment even if my building is small?
Yes. Every commercial property in England and Wales must have a valid fire risk assessment, regardless of size.
Q. How often should my fire alarm be tested?
Your system should be tested weekly (in-house) and professionally serviced twice per year.
Q. What’s the most common fire risk in small businesses?
Poor electrical setups and cluttered storage are the two we see most regularly in Shrewsbury offices and shops.
How AMG Fire Solutions Ltd Supports Shropshire Businesses
We specialise in commercial fire safety across Shropshire, including Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Telford, and Ludlow. Our team offers:
✓ Fire alarm installation & maintenance
✓ Fire risk assessments tailored to your premises
✓ Emergency lighting design & testing
✓ Fire extinguisher servicing and compliance
✓ 24/7 call-out support for contracted clients
All our engineers are BAFE-registered and fully qualified to current UK standards.
Take a look at our testimonials to see how we have helped homes and businesses in Shropshire.
Keep Your Business Fire-Safe with AMG Fire Solutions
Regular checks. Smart design. Quick fixes. Fire safety doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be done properly.
Whether you're preparing for a fire safety audit or simply want peace of mind, our local engineers are ready to help.
Book a free fire safety consultation in Shrewsbury or the surrounding areas.