Where Should Fire Assembly Points Be Located?

Fire assembly points should be located in a safe, clearly identified area away from the building, where staff, visitors and contractors can gather after evacuating during a fire emergency. The location should allow people to remain safe while a roll call is carried out and further instructions are given.

Choosing the right fire assembly point is an important part of any fire evacuation procedure and should be based on the building layout, site risks, occupancy levels and fire risk assessment.

What Is A Fire Assembly Point?

A fire assembly point is a designated place where people gather after leaving a building during a fire evacuation. It helps responsible persons, fire wardens and managers account for everyone and confirm whether anyone may still be inside.

The assembly point should be easy to find, clearly signed and known to all staff as part of fire safety training.

How Far Should A Fire Assembly Point Be From The Building?

A fire assembly point should be far enough away from the building to protect people from smoke, flames, falling debris, heat and emergency activity. It should not be so far away that people struggle to find it or delay the roll call.

The correct distance will depend on the size and type of building, surrounding hazards and site layout.

Key Requirements For Fire Assembly Point Locations

• Located a safe distance from the building
• Clear of fire exits and escape routes
• Easy for staff, visitors and contractors to find
• Large enough for the expected number of people
• Accessible for disabled people and those who may need assistance
• Away from vehicle routes, loading bays and traffic hazards
• Not positioned where it could obstruct emergency services
• Clearly marked with suitable fire assembly point signs

Avoid Blocking Fire Exits

Assembly points should not be located directly outside fire exits, final exits or escape routes. People gathering too close to exits can block others from leaving the building and may slow down the evacuation.

The location should allow people to move away from the building safely and leave clear access for anyone still evacuating.

Keep Clear Of Emergency Service Access

Fire engines and emergency vehicles need clear access to the building. Assembly points should not be placed in areas where people could block roads, gates, hydrants, fire appliance access routes or building entrances needed by the fire service.

Keeping these areas clear helps emergency responders work quickly and safely.

Consider Smoke And Wind Direction

Where possible, choose an assembly point that is less likely to be affected by smoke. Smoke can travel quickly depending on wind direction, so exposed or flexible sites may need more than one assembly point.

Large industrial sites, warehouses and premises with higher fire risks may benefit from alternative assembly points depending on the location of the fire.

Make Sure The Area Is Large Enough

The fire assembly point must be able to hold the expected number of people safely. This includes employees, visitors, contractors, delivery drivers and anyone else likely to be on site.

For larger premises, multiple assembly points may be needed to prevent overcrowding and reduce walking distances from different exits.

Accessibility And Safe Routes

Assembly points should be reachable by safe, suitable routes. Consider people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, elderly visitors or anyone who may need assistance during evacuation.

Routes to the assembly point should avoid steps, uneven ground, steep slopes or busy traffic areas wherever possible.

Use Clear Fire Assembly Point Signs

Once the location has been chosen, it should be marked with clear fire assembly point signs. These signs help people identify where to gather and reduce confusion during an emergency.

Signs should be weather-resistant for outdoor use and positioned where they can be easily seen from the evacuation route.

Common Fire Assembly Point Locations

• Car park areas away from vehicle movement
• Open yards or forecourts
• Grass verges or open land away from the building
• Designated areas near site boundaries
• Neighbouring safe areas agreed in advance
• Clearly marked external gathering areas

Locations To Avoid

• Directly outside fire exits
• Under windows, roofs, canopies or unstable structures
• Near gas cylinders, fuel stores or hazardous substances
• On busy roads or vehicle access routes
• In loading bays or delivery areas
• Where emergency vehicles need access
• Areas likely to fill with smoke

Reviewing Fire Assembly Point Locations

Fire assembly point locations should be reviewed regularly as part of the fire risk assessment. They should also be reviewed after changes to the building layout, staffing levels, site access, car parks, storage areas or emergency procedures.

If the assembly point changes, fire action notices, evacuation plans, staff training and signage should all be updated.

Conclusion

Fire assembly points should be located in a safe, accessible and clearly marked area away from the building and emergency service access routes. The location must be large enough for everyone on site and easy to reach during an evacuation.

By choosing suitable assembly point locations and marking them with clear signs, businesses can support safer evacuations, improve roll call procedures and help people remain safe during a fire emergency.