Arson remains one of the most common causes of serious fires in commercial buildings. Unlike accidental fires, arson is deliberate, unpredictable and often exploits everyday weaknesses in how a site is managed rather than technical failures in fire protection systems. The good news is that most arson attacks are preventable. Effective protection usually comes from relatively simple, proportionate measures that reduce opportunity, visibility and access rather than heavy-handed security.

Understand where the risk really comes from

Arson risk is rarely random. Commercial premises are most vulnerable where there is easy access, poor visibility, combustible materials left unsecured, or a lack of clear ownership over site safety. Common higher-risk locations include:

Rear yards, alleyways and service areas.
Bin stores and waste compounds.
Vacant or partially occupied units.
Buildings undergoing refurbishment.
Premises with repeated antisocial behaviour nearby.

A fire risk assessment should explicitly consider arson as a credible ignition source, particularly where these factors exist.

Control combustible materials and waste

Poor waste management is one of the biggest contributors to arson risk. Key controls include:

Storing bins and skips well away from buildings where possible
Using lockable, metal bins rather than plastic
Ensuring waste areas are kept tidy and not overfilled
Removing pallets, packaging and fly-tipped items promptly
Securing external storage areas out of public reach

Fires started in waste containers are a common cause of fires spreading into buildings, especially overnight.

Improve security and natural surveillance

Arsonists are far less likely to target premises where they feel visible or challenged. Practical measures include:

Adequate external lighting, particularly around entrances, yards and bin areas.
Securing doors, gates and shutters when the building is unoccupied.
Repairing damaged fencing or broken locks promptly.
Avoiding blind spots where someone could linger unnoticed.

Where CCTV is used, it should be positioned to deter as well as record, and signage should be clear and visible.

Manage access and vacant spaces carefully

Empty or rarely used spaces are particularly attractive targets. Controls may include:

Securing unused rooms, roofs and basements.
Regular checks of vacant units or areas.
Boarding or reinforcing vulnerable access points during void periods.
Maintaining heating and lighting at basic levels in longer-term vacancies.

Vacant buildings should never be treated as “low risk” simply because they are unoccupied.

Maintain good housekeeping and staff awareness

Day-to-day behaviour has a significant impact on arson risk. Staff and contractors should:

Report suspicious behaviour or unauthorised access.
Challenge unsecured doors or gates.
Avoid leaving combustibles outside at the end of the day.
Know who to contact if they identify concerns.

Simple awareness often prevents small issues becoming serious vulnerabilities.

Review detection, alarms and emergency arrangements

Early detection limits damage even where prevention fails. Consider:

Fire detection coverage in vulnerable areas.
Monitoring arrangements for out-of-hours alarms.
Clear procedures for alarm activations.
Liaison with alarm receiving centres where appropriate.

Emergency planning should assume that an arson fire could occur outside normal working hours.

Build arson prevention into your fire risk assessment

Arson prevention should not sit separately from fire safety management. It should form part of a live, regularly reviewed fire risk assessment that reflects how the building is actually used. Where sites change, occupancy shifts or antisocial behaviour increases locally, arson risk should be revisited.

Final thought

Most arson attacks succeed because of opportunity, not sophistication. Reducing access, removing fuel and improving oversight are often far more effective than complex security solutions. If you’re unsure whether arson has been properly considered within your fire risk assessment, or whether existing controls remain appropriate, an independent review can help identify practical improvements before an incident occurs.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, fire safety or security advice. Fire risks, including the risk of arson, vary between premises and should be assessed on a site-specific basis.

How to Protect Your Commercial Premises from Arson